Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr Thongloun Sisoulith on Friday attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, which has been funded by the Japanese government at a cost of US$23.5 million.
Dr Thongloun Sisoulith (third lef ) and Ms Junko Yokota attend the groundbreaking ceremony.
The airport is being expanded to accommodate the larger aircraft needed for regular flights and to cope with the logistical requirements of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit next November .
The project, which includes expansion of the parking apron, will be carried out under the Japanese Official Development Assistance programme and implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
According to the Department of Civil Aviation, the expanded parking apron will be able to accommodate 10 more large aircraft. The existing apron can only handle five large aircraft.
Japan’s Ambassador to Laos Ms Junko Yokota said “I expect this project will contribute to the successful outcome of the ASEM meeting, to be hosted by the Lao government.”
Ms Yokota referred to Japan’s longstanding history of cooperation with Laos. “This airport is one of the most symbolic projects of the Japanese Official Development Assistance programme in Laos.”
When the project is completed, the airport will be in a better position to cope with increasing passenger numbers. By 2016, it is predicted that annual passenger numbers will exceed 1.5 million.
As a result of the expa nsion, the airport will satisfy international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Security will also be enhanced.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr Sommad Pholsena said “The friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Japan is longstanding. The government and people of Japan have continuously provided support and assistance to the government and people of Laos in different areas, such as economic infrastructure and social and cultural assistance.”
Mr Sommad said Wattay International Airport will be critical for the ASEM Summit next year so the Japanese government had provided assistance to the Lao government for its expansion.
The main improvements include expanding the No. 1 apron, and the purchase of equipment such as X-ray machines and fire fighting vehicles.
Mr Sommad said this important and invaluable support from the Japanese government will greatly contribute to updating air transport in Laos and will enable further development of the aviation industry for improved regional and international air services. This will also influence other areas of growth, such as overall socio-economic development, trade, investment and tourism.
The government of Japan has previously given grant support for other major improvements to the airport. In 1996 a control tower and fire fighting station were built and in 1999 a new international terminal and other facilities were completed.
Japan has also assisted Laos with bridge construction, notably the Lao-Nippon Bridge across the Mekong River in Champassak province and the bridge from Seno to Phin district in Savannakhet province.
Japan has also funded water supply improvement projects for hospitals and schools, construction of the second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, and other projects.
Meaningful and valuable assistance from the Japanese government has brought enormous benefits for the gradual improvement of living conditions in Laos, alongside development and the reduction of poverty.
