Japanese Ambassador Tsutomu Koizumi presented the Ambassador’s Commendation Award to Ms. Sisomboun Ounavong, former Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Planning and Investment (now the Ministry of Finance), during a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s Residence on 30 June.
After graduating from the National University of Laos, Sisomboun began her career at the National Planning Commission. She became involved in Japan’s development cooperation programs in 2012 after being appointed Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Shortly afterward, she was promoted to Director General, where she played a central role in coordinating and facilitating economic cooperation and development assistance from Japan and other development partners.
Despite overseeing foreign assistance from numerous development partner countries and international organizations, Sisomboun played a key role in ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of Japan’s development assistance. Throughout her tenure, she made significant contributions to strengthening Japan–Laos relations.
As the Lao co-chair of the policy dialogue between Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Lao government, she coordinated inputs from relevant ministries to help align Laos’ development strategies with Japan’s economic cooperation priorities.
She also played an important role in coordinating Japan’s development assistance, including grant aid, yen loans, and technical cooperation projects. In addition, she strongly supported the activities of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including its annual needs survey, technical cooperation initiatives, and the JICA Volunteer Program.
The Japanese Embassy said her dedication, leadership, and commitment to Japan–Laos relations have made a significant contribution to the success of bilateral development cooperation and strengthened the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Ambassador Koizumi presented Sisomboun with the Ambassador’s Commendation in recognition of her longstanding contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Japan and Laos through economic cooperation and development assistance.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Laotian Times Public Diplomacy section and was contributed by the Japanese Embassy in Laos. Views and information presented are those of the contributing organization.
