Japan pledges US$6.1b for development of Mekong region
Shinzo Abe has upped efforts to sell highways, train systems and power plants around the world, a key element in his bid to bolster the economy and Japan's standing abroad.
Japan yesterday pledged US$6.1 billion in financial aid to the "Mekong Five" countries as it pushes infrastructure exports and courts influence in a region where rival China has an increasing presence.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe unveiled the pledge at a summit with his counterparts from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam - fast-growing economies through which the lower section of the Mekong river flows.
"Japan will implement support worth around 750 billion yen [HK$47 billion] in official development assistance for the next three years," Abe said after the seventh annual Japan-Mekong summit.
"The Mekong region, which has vast demand for infrastructure, is one of our most important areas," Abe said.
"Japan will contribute to infrastructure development in the region in both quality and quantity," he added. "The Mekong region and Japan are partners that will develop together."
"The Mekong region is the most dynamic economic centre, but there still is room for huge growth," Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said.