(KPL) On April 26, a signing ceremony for the "Exchange of Notes on Economic and Social Development Plan (Road Maintenance and Management and Road Repair Related Equipment)" was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, where the exchange note was signed by Japanese Ambassador Kobayashi Kenichi and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune.

Most of the roads in Laos need urgent maintenance and repair. The Government of Japan will provide 1.5 billion yen (approximately US$10 million, or approximately 2 trillion kip) in grant assistance to support related equipment for the maintenance and repair of deteriorated and damaged roads, following the 800 million yen grant assistance in 2022.

Japan’s assistance includes the introduction of maintenance and management machinery for bridges and tunnels, as well as repair machinery sets related to the road stabilization method.

Construction equipment will include bridge inspection vehicles, tunnel inspection, elevating vehicles, mobile work vehicles, road stabilizers, excavators, wheel loaders, vibratory rollers, tire rollers, and water sprayers.

This support will allow for the rapid repair of deteriorated and damaged roads by constructing the new road while utilizing the existing asphalt during the road repair.

In addition, the use of bridge inspection vehicles, etc., will make it possible to conduct detailed inspection, diagnosis, and repair of the underside of bridges that could not be inspected in the past, thereby contributing to the sustainable and comprehensive health of the road infrastructure.

These contribute to extending the service life of roads, shortening construction time, reducing construction costs, preserving the environment by reducing road waste, and achieving early recovery from disasters.

To support the sustainable economic development of Laos, Japan has supported the development of high-quality road infrastructure in various parts of Laos, including the Second Mekong International Bridge, Pakse Bridge, National Road No. 9, and Vientiane National Road No. 1.

This support will not only ensure the comfort and safety of the residents, but also strengthen the logistics route, which is the artery of economic, industrial, and trade development in Laos, and support the Lao government's policy of shifting from Land-locked to Land-linked.

The relationship between Japan and Laos has been growing stronger and stronger since it was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2015.

KPL