Myanmar-Laos Border Mekong River Hydropower Project Feasibility Study Joint Agreement Signed by Two Countries

It is reported that a joint agreement for a feasibility study on implementing hydropower projects along the Mekong River on the Myanmar-Laos border was signed on July 4th, based on a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the electricity sector between Myanmar and Laos, during the state visit of the President of Myanmar to Laos. The signing ceremony for the joint agreement was held on July 4th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane, Laos. At the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Manothong Vongsay, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, stated that the project is an important symbol of friendship between Myanmar and Laos and is being implemented with the agreement of both governments within the framework of cooperation in the electricity sector between Myanmar and Laos. He added that the project has the potential to bring benefits not only to the border areas of both countries but also to the entire Greater Mekong Subregion. He also stated that the Lao government will provide the best possible support and guidance to ensure the swift completion of the project's feasibility studies and environmental and social impact assessments, and to expedite the implementation of the project. Following this, U Aye Kyaw, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, stated that the joint agreement signed today is a project where a company appointed by Myanmar and a company appointed by Laos will jointly conduct a feasibility study on the Mekong River on the border between Myanmar and Laos, making it a particularly important project for the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He added that upon completion, the project will not only help meet the region's electricity demand but also contribute to achieving the ASEAN region's renewable energy goals. As the Mekong River is a border river between the two countries, he emphasized that the project must be carried out in compliance with the local customs, laws, and procedures of both Myanmar and Laos, and that the Myanmar government will provide maximum supervision and guidance for the project's success. Subsequently, in the presence of the Deputy Ministers of both countries, the joint agreement for the feasibility study of the Myanmar-Laos border Mekong River hydropower project was signed and exchanged by Primus Sapphire Power Co., Ltd., appointed by Myanmar, and Phongsupthavy Group Sole Co., Ltd., appointed by Laos. It is reported that this hydropower project has an estimated installed capacity of up to 2790 megawatts, and the Myanmar and Lao companies will jointly work to complete the feasibility study within 34 months.