On 8 July 2026, Dr. Vanthana Nolintha, Standing Committee Member and Permanent Secretary of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, welcomed Mr. Akihiro Nishihara, Managing Director of Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Laos Co., Ltd. (TTML), and his delegation to discuss the company’s proposed Toyota vehicle assembly project in Lao PDR.
TTML plans to establish an assembly plant at VITA Park Special Economic Zone in Vientiane Capital. The joint venture will be owned by Toyota Tsusho with 81%, Toyota Laos with 10%, and Soksai Group with 9%.
The plant is expected to begin production in April 2028, with an annual capacity of more than 5,000 vehicles. Initial production will focus on the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Hilux, marking the first assembly of Toyota vehicles in Lao PDR.
Both sides also exchanged views on investment incentives, import duties on vehicle components, local content development, and the future of the automotive industry in Laos. The IPMC Office reaffirmed its readiness to coordinate with relevant authorities and facilitate the project, which is expected to support technology transfer, job creation, and the development of the country’s manufacturing sector.
