Vietnam, Laos plan 500 kV transmission line

Vietnam and Laos agreed on Feb. 24 to collaborate in the construction of a 500 kV transmission line linking the two countries to facilitate electricity trade. According to VNA, the agreement was reached during a meeting in Hanoi administered by Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Vu Huy Hoang, and Lao Minister of Energy and Mining, Soulivong Dalavong. They also agreed to send a proposal to the Asian Development Bank, asking for technical and financial support for the 500kV transmission line. The two ministers expressed delights at the progress and agreement reached on the Sekham 1 hydro electricity project and confirmed both sides’ readiness to cooperate ensuring joint hydropower schemes as scheduled. They agreed to jointly review the feasibility and the execution speed of power plant projects in Laos designed to sell electricity to Vietnam. During the meeting, Permanent Deputy PM Hung underlined the importance for Vietnam and Laos to boost mutual cooperation and support not only in economy but also in national defence and security, especially among bordering provinces.