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The Government of Japan has provided 378 million yen (approximately US$3.2 million) in grant assistance to support human resource development in the Lao PDR through the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).
An exchange of notes ceremony for the project was held on June 22 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane. The agreement was signed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anouphab Vongnorkeo on behalf of the Lao Government and Japanese Ambassador to Laos KOIZUMI Tsutomu on behalf of the Government of Japan, in the presence of representatives from relevant sectors of both countries.Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Anouphab expressed the Lao Government’s sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their longstanding support and cooperation, noting that Japan’s assistance has made an important contribution to Laos’ socio-economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods.He emphasized that the scholarship programme will play a vital role in developing qualified human resources for the country and reaffirmed the Lao Government’s commitment to ensuring the effective use of the assistance. He also expressed hope for continued cooperation under the Laos–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was elevated in 2025.Ambassador Koizumi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Laos’ development efforts through continued cooperation in human resource development and other priority sectors.Under the JDS programme, Japan has supported more than 500 young Lao government officials to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at leading Japanese universities. The programme covers a wide range of disciplines, including public administration, economics, international relations, agriculture, and environmental studies, helping to strengthen the capacity of public sector personnel and contribute to national development.Japan's assistance in the education sector has also included the construction and renovation of schools in remote areas, the upgrading of teacher training centres, improvements to learning environments, and the provision of educational materials and scholarships.As one of Laos’ longstanding development partners, Japan continues to support the country’s socio-economic development through cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, forestry, education, human resource development, disaster relief, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.The latest scholarship assistance reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to investing in human capital as a foundation for sustainable development and stronger bilateral relations.KPL
