JICA backs Laos on socio-economic development
JICA backs Laos on socio-economic development
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President, Akihiko Tanaka, met with Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong last week on his first official visit to Laos since assuming office in 2012.
The courtesy call to Mr Thongsing at the Government Office was part of Mr Tanaka's visit to Laos from August 28 to 30.
In his capacity as president of the world's largest bilateral development organisation and a leading donor agency to Laos, Mr Tanaka commended the country's development efforts which have recently led to robust economic growth of over 8 percent.
Mr Tanaka assured Mr Thongsing of JICA's ongoing commitment to providing quality assistance in priority areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture and forestry, education and health.
Such support, in the form of technical cooperation projects, concessionary loans and grant aid, will not only contribute to Laos' socio-economic development efforts, but also help the country to strengthen regional connectivity and narrow the development gap between its Asean neighbours – an increasingly pressing issue in light of the forthcoming establishment of the Asean Economic Community in 2015.
Mr Tanaka also held talks with Minister of Planning and Investment Somdy Douangdy and Minister of Finance Phouphet Khamphounvong.
They discussed the progress and impact of a number of ongoing JICA projects, as well as new areas in which the Ministry of Planning and Investment hopes to seek support in the future.
Both sides were of the opinion that sound public finance and debt sustainability management are key pillars of s uccessful and sustainable development in Laos. They also discussed the necessity for prudent debt management in light of the country's increasing influx of development investment.
Prior to arriving in Vientiane, the JICA President visited a number of projects that have benefitted from JICA assistance.
These included National R oad No. 9, which is an integral part of the East-West Economic Corridor running through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar; the Savan-Seno Special Economic Zone, which promotes increased investment and trade; and the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet province, where Mr Tanaka observed the status of increasing cross-border development and strengthened connectivity in the Mekong region.
vientiane times
