PM urges Laos to monitor impact of hydropower plants

December 26, 2016 - 10:10

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has proposed that the Lao National Mekong Committee continue working with Việt Nam to monitor the practical impact of hydropower plants on the trans-boundary river and protect its environment.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (R) receives Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sommad Pholsena in Hà Nội on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has proposed that the Lao National Mekong Committee continue working with Việt Nam to monitor the practical impact of hydropower plants on the trans-boundary river and protect its environment. 

Phúc made the proposal while receiving Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sommad Pholsena in Hà Nội on Saturday.

He expressed his hope that the Ministries of Natural Resources and Environment of Việt Nam and Laos would step up bilateral co-operation in the field of natural resources and environment as defined in a cooperative agreement between the two governments for the 2016-20 period, and build co-ordination blueprints. 

For his part, Minister Sommad Pholsena said Laos would apply modern technologies in waste treatment and learn from Viet Nam’s experience to avoid environmental pollution during its development process. 

He affirmed that the construction of hydropower plants on the Mekong River will strictly follow the Mekong River Commission’s regulations and international law. 

Laos pledges to use its water sources effectively and sustainably, he added. 

The Mekong River runs through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Việt Nam. — VNS

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