(MPI) - Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, head of the Vietnam - Laos Cooperation Committee, inspected the projects of and assessed challenges faced by some Vietnamese-invested projects in Laos on September 7-8. His working trip also aims to deepen the Vietnam-Laos great solidarity in a more effective and substantive manner across all spheres.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung visits the proposed site for the Kaleum Coal Fired Power Plant in Sekong, Laos. Photo: MPI

Minister Dung visited the Kaleum coal mine site, operated by the Phonesack group, and the proposed site for the Kaleum Coal Fired Power Plant, which is owned by PetroVietnam Power Corporation (PV Power) and being developed in Sekong province. The two projects are located about 120 km from the Vietnam border.

The Kaleum mine, with the area of abou 770 sq.km, reserves of about 800 million tons. The mine's current maximum annual capacity is approximately 20 million tons, of which 3 million tons are sent to the Vietnamese market.

The Kaleum Coal Fired Power Plant in Sekong is also run by the Phonesack group. The PV Power is looking for lending partners to invest in the project and participate in its management, operation, and maintenance.

The 4.06-billion-USD project (including 253 km of transmission line to Cambodian border), will have capacity of about 1,800 MW and is expected to start in April 2025, and its first engine is anticipated to operate in January 2028, and the sixth engine is in January 2030.

Minister Dung affirmed to work with relevant Vietnamese ministries, sectors and agencies to soon solve difficulties and create the best conditions for enterprises implementing projects. He also asked the Lao side to support and facilitate the project implementation.

Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Phet Phomphiphak visit the bauxite mining and alumina processing complex in Dakcheung district of Sekong. Photo: MPI

In the afternoon, Minister Dung visited the bauxite mining and alumina processing complex of Viet Phuong Group in Dakcheung district of Sekong. The total projected investment is about 1 billion USD, and exports are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. The bauxite reserves are estimated at about 400 million tons and will will cover nearly 400 sq.km.

The group’s leader thanked the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam cooperation committees for their assistance, and proposed the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment support the implementation of the Lakmang Thermal Power Plant project, with a capacity of about 600 MW, to have electricity for alumina processing.

Minister Dung stressed that Vietnam is always in the top three largest investors in Laos. The Viet Phuong group’s bauxite mining and alumina processing complex will contribute to the development of the Lao industry as well as the two countries’ economic relations.

He asked the group fulfill its commitments, comply with the local laws and use advanced technology to protect the environment.

The minister also suggested paying attention to social security activities, contributing to Lao budget and taking care of the local residents’ livelihoods, especially Vietnamese workers working in Laos.

Minister Dung thanked Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Phet Phomphiphak for his coordination to address facing challenges, expressing his hope that the local authority will create all optimal conditions for businesses do business.

The project will become a symbol for the two countries’ relations in all fields, he added.

For his part, Lao Minister Phomphiphak agree to facilitate the project implementation, thus deepening the two countries’ partnership. The Lao Government highly appreciated Viet Phuong group’s project, and will continue working closely towards common goals that in accordance with Lao and international laws.

On September 9, Minister Dung visited Dak Cheung district, which borders Vietnam’s Quang Nam and Kon Tum provinces, asking the province to overcome difficulties and soon grasp its advantages to further develop. He also handled some gifts to the province and the Dak Cheung high shool./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment