Laos National Day Special
Economic evolution moving past pandemic
PHONGSAMOUTH ANLAVANAMBASSADOR OF LAOS

On the occasion of
47th anniversary ofthe proclamationof the Lao People’s
Democratic Republic on Dec. 2, I would
like to highlightthe bilateral cooperation between mycountry and Japanand some of the achievements of the Laotian government.
Over the past 47 years, the Lao PDR, under
the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, has continued enjoying
political stability, social order and economic
growth, which has significantly contributed
to poverty reduction and improved living
standards of all multiethnic people. The Lao
PDR is currently implementing the NinthNational Socio-Economic Development
Plan (2021 to 2025).
Over the first two years (2021 to 2022),
the world grappled with the COVID-19
outbreak and the many regional andinternational challenges that directly andindirectly affected the Lao PDR, especiallyinflation, fuel shortages, high living costs
and more. However, the Laotian government, in collaboration with all relevant
authorities in society and among the multiethnic Laotian people, as well as with allpartners and international communities,
has redoubled efforts to maintain peace,stability, social order and development.
It is important to note that, from January to September, the Lao PDR has marked
significant progress in various aspectsof its economy. Gross domestic productgrowth reached 4.2% (compared with 3%
in 2021), and the service sector grew by
between 7% and 8%.
Also, a number of infrastructure anddevelopment connectivity projects involving roads, highways, railways, airports, dry
ports and other areas have been upgraded,and feasibility studies have begun —including for a railway to Vietnam andVung-Ang seaport, as well as Thailand.
These connectivity projects will be more
conducive to tourism, trade and investment in the future. In addition, the Lao PDR
continues promoting investment in clean
agriculture, the processing industry, ecocultural tourism and clean energies including hydropower, wind and solar.
2022 marks the 67th anniversary ofCongratulations
to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
on the Anniversary of Their National Day

the long-standing friendly relations andgood cooperation between the Lao PDR
and Japan and the seventh year of ourstrategic partnership. Despite the pandemic, our governments have continued
regular consultations via both physicaland online formats to further enhanceand intensify our relationship. Theseinclude a telephone call in March and ameeting of our prime ministers in April in
Kumamoto Prefecture, back to back withthe fourth Asia-Pacific Water Summit, atwhich our leaders witnessed the signingof the exchange of notes for the Project for
Human Resource Development Scholarship, worth ¥330 million.
Recently, Japan has continued to provide
support to the Lao PDR in many areas, suchas equipment against COVID-19, healthcare, nutrition, education, human resource
development, infrastructure, natural disaster mitigation, clearance of unexploded
ordnance, fiscal stabilization and more.
Additionally, an exchange of notes ceremony for grant aid from Japan took placeon Nov. 28, where Japan also pledged tocontinue to support the Lao PDR for thechairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2024. I firmly believe
there will be more exchanges and activities

next year through our bilateral framework,
ASEAN and other international fora.
Currently, Japan is ranked 15th among
the 53 foreign direct investors in the LaoPDR, with 146 projects in various sectors
ranging from agriculture, agro-industry,wood industry, trade, services, garments,
hotels and restaurants to construction andconsulting, education and power. In particular, the number of Japanese investors
based in our special economic zones has
gradually increased. Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite those who areinterested in investing and doing businessto more deeply explore the advantages
and potential of operating in my coun-Prime Minister
Phankham Viphavanh and Prime
Minister Fumio
Kishida pose at theAsia-Pacific WaterSummit in Kumamoto Prefecture inApril.
EMBASSY OF LAOS

Congratulations

Japan and Laos exchange and sign notes on
grant aid from Japan on Nov. 28, as Japan
pledged to support Laos’ bid to chair ASEAN
in 2024. EMBASSY OF LAOS

Congratulations

to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
on the Anniversary of Their National Day

This content wascompiled in collaboration with theembassy. The views
expressed here do
not necessarilyreflect those of thenewspaper.

Congratulations

to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
on the Anniversary of Their National Day
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to the Lao People’s
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on the Anniversaryof Their National Day

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CONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONS
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CONGRATULATIONS
to onthethe
LaoPeople’s
DemocraticRepublic
totheLao
People’s of
Democratic
Republic
Anniversary
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the42ndAnniversaryoftheirNationalon the 42nd Anniversary of their National Day
Day

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Congratulations
to the Lao People’s

Democratic Republic
on the Anniversary ofPresident: Itsuo Hashimoto
President: Itsuo Hashimoto
Former Ambassador to Lao PDRFormer Ambassador to Lao PDR

tinue to strengthen further and flourish.
Once again, please allow me to convey myappreciation to all supporters, readers andthe Japanese people for the kind support
extended to the Lao PDR.

try, which reopened in May after getting
COVID-19 under control.
I am confident that the traditionalbond of friendship and good cooperation
between the Lao PDR and Japan will con-

Their National Day

to the Lao People's Democratic Republic
on the Anniversary of
Their National Day

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Democratic Republic
on the Anniversary of
Their National Day

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