The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) has asked Laos to remove difficulties to help it speed up implementation of projects currently being underway in Laos.

PVN Director General Phung Dinh Thuc held a working session with Samane Vinhakhet, politburo member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Head of the Central Steering Board on Ideological, Theoretical and Cultural Affairs in Hanoi on December 26.

PVN asked Laos to apply special mechanism and incentive policies for hydro-electric power projects, especially the 3 billion USD Luang Prabang plant given its economic and political significance to both countries.

It also asked the Lao government to consider its proposal on extending the build-operation-transfer period for the Luang Prabang hydro-electric power plant to 40 years and soon decide the price level for electricity generated by the plant as well as a power consumption plan in Laos .

PVN has been carrying out big projects in Laos, including the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas at Lots C, S, and Savannakhet, the mining of barite and plaster in Savannakhet province and copper in Siengkhoang and Huaphan provinces, and the Luang Prabang, Xekaman 1, 3 and 4, and Dac Y Mon hydro-electric power plants.

Samane Vinhakhet noted down PVN’s requests and said he will discuss PVN’s proposals relating to the Luang Prabang project with high-ranking leaders.

“Laos will work closely with Vietnam to remove difficulties to step up implementation of Vietnamese-invested projects in Laos to bring benefits to both countries, thus contributing to making the special Laos-Vietnam friendship shine forever,” the Lao official said./.