The Japanese government has agreed to help Laos expand solar energy and preserve forests following recent agreements signed between the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Under the agreements inked in Vientiane on March 9, a project worth about 5.35 million USD will cover installation of solar power systems at the Prime Minister's Office and also at Wattay International Airport.
The project also aims to increase public awareness of the importance of alternative energy sources such as solar power to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Meanwhile, a forest information management project will include construction of a new information centre, and the provision of equipment for image analysis and technical systems.
The 5.3 million USD project aims to create maps of forest resources nationwide and will run for three years.
Japan pledged to provide more than 30 million USD in aid to help Laos in preserving forests, developing energy, and fighting climate change for environmental protection during a visit to the north-eastern Asian country by President Choummaly Sayasone early this month./.