Vietnam, Laos discuss ways to strengthen hydropower cooperation

A symposium tackled measures to solve difficulties in hydropower cooperation difficulties between Laos and Vietnam.

The cooperation is facing numerous problems such as poor infrastructure, unqualified labour force and remote project locations.

The symposium themed “Vietnam-Laos hydropower cooperation: reality and prospects” in Vientiane was ointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos and the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines.


Attending the event were Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Thongmy Phommixay, LMEM Deputy Minister Xomboun Ratsasombath and Vietnamese Ambassador Ta Minh Chau.

The symposium assessed that hydropower is a strength of the Lao economy and also an important cooperative area between Vietnam and Laos , which attracts a huge Vietnamese investment.

To date, the Lao government has licensed 16 Vietnamese hydropower projects with a total designed capacity of over 4,000 MW.

On behalf of the Lao government, Deputy Minister Ratsasombath thanked Vietnam for its assistance for and cooperation with Laos in various fields, including hydropower.

Ambassador Chau called on Vietnamese businesses to strengthen hydropower cooperation with Lao partners and pledged to do his best to foster this strategic cooperation.