Japan handed over road and bridge repair equipment worth JPY 955.8 million (USD 6.05 million) to Laos on 9 November, supporting efforts to restore transport routes damaged by natural disasters.
The delivery is part of a JPY 1.7 billion (USD 10.76 million) grant under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Program. Japan will provide the remaining equipment in a later phase, Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay said at the handover ceremony in Vientiane Capital.
The assistance follows an earlier JPY 1.5 billion (USD 9.5 million) package to repair roads damaged by natural disasters across Laos.
Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu said the latest delivery builds on Japan’s support from the previous year. He said the project aims to help Laos maintain its roads and support economic development.
Flooding, land subsidence, and rockfalls have disrupted passenger and freight transport, made roads dangerous, and affected local livelihoods, state media reported.
These challenges prompted the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to request machinery that would allow road crews to carry out repairs more quickly using modern, environmentally friendly techniques, Leklai said.
The ministry expects the equipment to improve highway maintenance and help keep routes open for passenger travel, freight transport, and tourism, including connections with neighboring countries.
Leklai handed over the equipment to Road Construction State Enterprise No. 8, the Transport Construction State Enterprise, and Vientiane’s vehicle and driving management unit.
The recipients will use the machinery to build, repair, and improve roads and bridges. The assistance will also include training for drivers and equipment operators, according to Pasaxon.
Road Construction State Enterprise No. 8 hosted the handover ceremony at its premises in Vientiane Capital.
Japan Hands Over Renovated Chao Anouvong Stadium
Japan has also completed another infrastructure project in Vientiane Capital. On 12 October, it handed over the renovated Chao Anouvong Stadium to Lao authorities, who assumed responsibility for managing and securing the facility, according to the Lao News Agency.
Japan funded the renovation through a JPY 4.171 billion (approximately USD 29 million) grant. The Hazama Ando–Toa Road joint venture carried out the construction, which began in January 2025.
The renovation includes track and field facilities, as well as accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, braille handrails, and wheelchair seating.
Although authorities have received the stadium, management is still preparing it for public use. In an update on 21 October, management said it expected the facility to open in December or January 2027, but had not announced an exact date.
Management also said it planned to keep usage fees affordable while staff received training to operate and maintain the facility.
