(KPL) On March 10, the Embassy of Japan in the Lao PDR held a send-off ceremony for the participants of a training programme on leadership before their departure to Japan.

Fifteen Vice-Ministers, Vice-Governors from several provinces, Director-Generals and equivalent level officials will visit Japan from March 13-17 to participate in a training programme on leadership enhancement. During this training programme, the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) will organize a series of lectures.

Also, discussions on various topics necessary for better governance, based on the Japan’s experience learnt through its social and economic development, will be conducted.

Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR Mr. Kobayashi Kenichi appreciated the efforts of the related authorities of Lao and Japanese sides, especially those of the Party Central Committee Organization Board and JICA Laos Office, for resuming the programme after the postponement due to COVID19. He also expressed expectation that the training will greatly help Lao leaders to tackle issues which the Government of the Lao PDR is currently facing, and will also further strengthen the ties between Japan and the Lao PDR.

Following the message of encouragement by Head of the Committee for External Relations of the Party Central Committee Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee Organization Board Ms. Boutsady Thanameuang, acting as a representative of the participants, expressed her strong resolution to make full use of this training opportunity and obtain knowledge for a better future for the country.

The training programme was launched in 2017 and continued in 2019, and then this will be the third time since the programme has been held. It provides the opportunity for future Lao leaders to deepen their knowledge on Japan's economic and social development and administration. It is expected that sharing Japan's experience through this training will contribute to the economic and social development of the Lao PDR, and lead to the further deepening of the Japan-Laos friendship.

KPL