On 7 January, 2021, Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and

Mr. Virachit Philaphandeth, the Chief Director of the Foundation for Promoting Education, each received the Certificate of Commendation from Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu. The award was presented by Mr. Takewaka Keizo, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, at a ceremony held at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Vientiane Capital.

During the ceremony Ambassador Takewaka congratulated Mr. Oudet and Mr. Virachit, praising their achievements in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the Lao PDR. This award ceremony was attended by H.E. Ms. Khemmany Phonsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce; H.E. Dr. Ponmek Dalaloy, former President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association; H.E. the Hon. Mr. Khenthong Nuanthasing, Vice President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly and President of the Laos-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association.　High-ranking Lao officials from related Ministries, family and friends of the awardees and representatives from the Japanese community in the Lao PDR also joined the event.

Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, President of the LNCCI has made significant contributions in promoting Japan-Laos relations in the economic field over many years. During his tenure at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, he engaged in Japanese ODA projects in association with JICA and in 2009 he opened Fuji Japanese Restaurant in Vientiane Capital, in cooperation with a Japanese businessman. After taking up the position of the Chairman of the LNCCI in 2016, he contributed towards improving the investment environment for both Lao and overseas investors including Japan through the co-sponsorship of the Lao Business Forum.  In addition, he is also actively involved in building relationships of mutual cooperation with the Kawasaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lao PDR.

Mr. Virachit Philaphandeth has made invaluable contributions in promoting relations between Japan and the Lao PDR in the fields of education and economics respectively, as the Chief Director of the Foundation for Promoting Education and through his membership of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association. In the field of education, he launched the Foundation for Promoting Education in 1997 and has been active in constructing elementary schools, and supporting the supply of educational equipment across the country in cooperation with Japanese business communities and private organizations. Additionally, he has made significant contributions in the economic field through his support and facilitation of business partnerships between Japan and Laos. He has also established a strong brand of quality Japanese cars and auto services in the Lao PDR as the president of Lao Toyota Service Co., Ltd.