On behalf of the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, it is my great honor to take part in the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and express my best wishes for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, scheduled to run through Dec. 18 in Tokyo.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955, the Lao PDR and Japan have enjoyed long-standing, friendly relations and good cooperation for almost seven decades. I am delighted to note that the existing friendship, a strategic partnership since 2015, has broadened in many areas.
There are regular exchanges between dignitaries of our two countries. Even during the outbreak of COVID-19, our leaders maintained online discussions and consultations. 2023 represents a remarkable year as our leaders have returned to face-to-face visits, including the meeting of the two heads of state on the occasion of the president of Laos visiting Japan in May. Our foreign ministers conducted reciprocal visits within a month of each other, and several ministerial-level exchanges covering several sectors of our countries also took place this year.
The symbolic exchange of gifts between our countries (elephants in Kyoto Zoo and cherry trees planted in Houaphanh province) attract many visitors.
Japan has been the largest provider of overseas development assistance to the Lao PDR since 1991. Those that have a chance to visit Laos will see various infrastructure development projects supported by Japan. Recently, an exchange of notes regarding a grant to implement the project for the reconstruction of Chao Anouvong Stadium was signed by our foreign ministers.
Apart from the bilateral framework, there are more assistance projects led by Japan under ASEAN, including the Mekong-Japan Cooperation and other international programs. All assistance has significantly contributed to the economic and social development of the Lao PDR and enabled it to meet many of the criteria set out under the U.N. sustainable development goals. Moreover, both sides have supported each other in the regional and global arenas.
As the ambassador to Japan, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of Japan for all of their assistance over the past decades.
In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, the volume of trade and investment has increased considerably, with over 160 Japanese companies operating in Laos to date. To attract more foreign direct investment and visitors, the government of Laos has regularly improved the investment environment through both regulatory changes and infrastructure, including the development of special economic zones. In this regard, our embassy has worked closely with the ASEAN-Japan Centre, the Japan External Trade Organization and other related agencies to conduct public awareness events, investment promotion seminars and other business-related activities.
I also observe that Laos and Japan have much potential for cooperation, particularly in the areas of agriculture, food processing and manufacturing, and the green energy sector.
Hydroelectric energy is one of the main exports of the Lao PDR. I think both sides could further work together under Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community initiative, with a summit on AZEC scheduled for later this month in Tokyo. The promotion of tourism, people-to-people contacts, including youth exchange programs, and establishing direct flights is strongly supported by both countries.
In 2024, the Lao PDR will assume the ASEAN chairmanship and promote a “Visit Laos Year” campaign. Many cultural events and traditional festivals will be arranged throughout the year. On behalf of the Embassy of the Lao PDR, I would like to invite all readers to visit Laos to experience our culture and traditions, world heritage and other tourist sites and taste the unique flavor of our cuisine, as well as explore potential business opportunities.
2025 will be another meaningful year for bilateral relations and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties will be commemorated with even more interesting symbolic activities. I hope the strategic partnership between Laos and Japan will develop further and reach even greater heights in the future.
Download the PDFs of this ASEAN-Japan 50th anniversary Special
