An overview of the conference. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has asked stakeholdersto speed up progress, complete procedures for importing electricity and coal,and build new transmission lines from Laos to Vietnam.
Hemade the requirement at a conference held on December 9 to promote coal trading cooperation betweenVietnam and Laos.
Dien saidthat the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) of Vietnam and the Lao Ministryof Energy and Mines has signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation inthe coal sector.
He went on tosay that importing electricity and coal from Laos not only helps boost economicdevelopment between the two countries but also fulfills the dual goals of ensuring national security and defence and providing energy for the economy.
Regarding thecoal import plan, the MoIT requested the Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) andthe Dong Bac Corporation to urgently negotiate to sign coal import and supplycontracts for thermal power plants as well as coordinate with relevant units topropose specific mechanisms for coal import, especially coal from Laos under an intergovernmental agreement to the Prime Minister or competentauthorities for approval.
Vinacominand Dong Bac Corporation were assigned to put forth a mechanism on importing coal from Laos to Vietnam, and solutions to improve the capacity toreceive coal to Vietnam as well as sign in-principle contracts with Lao partners relating to output, which will be carried out immediately after the agreement is approved./.
