Within the framework of the two countries’ cooperation agreements on economy, culture and science and technology, on 19 and 20 July 2008, the 30th mid-term conference of the Cooperation sub-Committees of Vietnam and Laos was held in Savannakhet province, Laos, which was co-chaired by Standing Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment of Vietnam and Deputy President of Vietnam-Laos Cooperation sub-Committee Truong Van Doan and his Lao counterpart Thongmy Phomvixay. Attending the conference were the representatives of some ministries and branches of both Vietnam and Laos. Viet-Lao Power Joint Stock Company (VLPC) led by Managing Director Nguyen Thang Long, together with Deputy Managing Director Pham Van Viet, the Head of Representative Office in Laos and some company’s officials was also participating in the conference.

The conference reviewed the implementation of cooperation programs in the first half of 2008 and discussed promotion of the programs sated in the agreement in the second half of the year to continue strengthening the friendship ties, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam SR and Lao PDR. At the conference, the two Deputy Presidents of Cooperation sub-Committees of the two countries highly appreciated and praised VLPC as a leading enterprise among those investing in Laos for its overcoming difficulties in the present context of world economic crisis, completing the targets and schedule of Xekaman 3 Hydropower Project, hastening the preparation process for commencement of Xekaman 1 Project, as well as its effectively developing on schedule the projects of which MOU were signed.

Also within the framework of the Mid-term Conference of the sub-committees of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee, Mr. Nguyen Sinh Hung, Member of the Politburo, Standing Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam and President of Vietnam-Laos Cooperation sub-Committee paid a working visit to Laos. The Standing Deputy Prime Minister, who was accompanied by his Lao counterpart Somsavath Lengsavath some leaders from ministries and branches of both countries, visited some Vietnamese businesses in Laos such as rubber tree plantation project in Muong Phin district, Savannakhet province; wood processing business in Attapeu province and particularly, the worksite of Xekaman 1 Hydropower Project in Attapeu province invested by VLPC in Attapeu province.

At the construction site of Xekaman 1 Hydropower Project in Attapeu province, on July 24, 2008, the two Standing Deputy Prime Ministers took inspection and check the implementation progress of the Project. Besides, they also gave their thoughtful attitude and encouragement to personnel working there. On behalf of the Investor of the project, Managing Director of VLPC Nguyen Thang Long reported to the two Deputy Prime Ministers on the situation and progress of project development, difficulties and advantages when developing project implementation. The Managing Director also showed the heartfelt thanks to both Deputy Prime Ministers for their presence at the work site and promised to ensure the project development progress as committed to the both Governments.

On behalf of the Parties and Governments of Vietnam and Laos, the two Standing Deputy Prime Ministers gave presents to the personnel working on the project worksite. In the afternoon of the same day, Member of the Politburo, Standing Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Mr. Nguyen Sinh Hung took the plane to Vietnam, finishing successfully his working visit to Lao PDR.