Vietnam helps Laos implement hydro-electric power projects
 
VOV, 24 Feb 2010
 
Vietnam and Laos will work closer together to implement joint hydro-
electric power projects, including the Sekarman I plant, to ensure
they are completed on schedule.
 
The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on February 24 between
Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang and Lao
Minister of Energy and Mining Soulivong Dalavong.
 
The ministers agreed that the two sides will examine the feasibility
and progress of these projects and proposed the Asian Development Bank
finance a 500kV Vietnam-Laos transmission line project.
 
They praised the Electricity of Vietnam Group (EVN) and the Vietnam
Coal and Mining Industries Group (Vinacomin) for training Lao energy
engineers, and agreed to increase exchanges to share managerial and
professional experience.
 
Mr Hoang thanked the Lao government for supporting Vietnamese
businesses in carrying out mineral and oil exploration projects in the
country.
 
Earlier the same day, the Lao Minister held a working session with the
Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam).
 
PVN General Director Phung Dinh Thuc proposed that the Lao government
approve the Luang Prabang hydro-electric power project with a design
capacity of 1,200MW, and expand the area for oil&gas exploration
projects in Champasak-Saravan-Savanakhet.
 
The Lao Minister was also received by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen
Sinh Hung who welcomed bilateral mining and energy cooperation
programmes and confirmed that the Vietnamese government will creates
favourable conditions for the two countries’ business communities to
invest in each other’s markets.
 
Mr Hung also urged both Vietnam and Laos to boost cooperation at the
ministerial, local and business levels.