In light of increasing fuel price, Japan provided six million litres of gasoline as well as three million tons of steel rods for construction to the Lao government last month, in addition to its multi-million dollar annual assistance. For the past three decades, Japan has been Laos' number one aid provider.
Japanese assistances have been comprehensive, aiming at reducing poverty in the communist nation, with the emphasis on infrastructure building. Major Japanese aid projects include a bridge over the Mekong River in Pakse, Routes 9 and 13, the currently being constructed second Friendship Bridge that will connect to Route 9 and complete the East-West Corridor, linking Vietnam and Thailand through Laos.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details.