Laos, Korea partner in energy sector development

The Energy Valley Enterprise Development Institute (EVEDI), Gwangju Technopark (GJTP), Jeonnam Technopark (JNTP),and International Culture Industry Association (ICIA) / Korea-Laos Industrial and Cultural Exchange Association (KLICEA) of the Republic of Korea will partner with the Lao government to develop the energy sector in Laos.
The four parties will explore areas of mutual interest and invest in energy-related projects as a Lao agency on projects for technology transfer, commercialisation and marketing through entry into Laos by enterprises based in Korea’s Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeollanam-do province.

An agreement is signed on Lao-Korean cooperation in energy-related projects.

An agreement on the partnership was signed by the Centre Director of Gwangju Technopark (GJTP), Mr Dong-Min Cho; Centre Director of Jeonnam Technopark (JNTP), Mr Dong-Ok Kim; President of the Energy Valley Enterprise Development Institute (EVEDI) - a subsidiary of KEPCO, Mr  Chul-Won Im; and Chairman of the Korea-Laos Industrial and Cultural Exchange Association (KLICEA), International Culture Industry Association (ICIA ), Mr Sam Maeng, in the presence of senior officials from Korea and Laos’ Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Under the agreement, the parties will implement the agreed areas of cooperation through joint participation in research projects and the content of the collaborative programme, and promote the sharing of information relating to new technologies and technology transfer. 
There will be cooperation in the commercialisation joint support programme through joint technical meetings, symposiums, lectures, technical workshops and exhibitions.
An official from the Ministry of Energy and Mines said the ministry has devised a strategic framework to develop the electricity industry to ensure adequate power is produced for consumption in Laos and for export.
“We are pleased with the energy cooperation between Laos and the Republic of Korea, especially between EDL and Korean energy and electrical companies,” he said.
Lao and Korean energy companies are conducting a feasibility study on the construction and upgrade of conventional substations to gas-insulated substations.
The first Korea-Laos Energy Week took place at Muongthanh Hotel in Vientiane on October 4-5.

The Korea-Laos Energy Week event in Vientiane.

The event was held in collaboration with Korea’s KEPCO, Gwangju Technopark, Jeonnam Technopark, and the Energy Valley Enterprise Development Institute.
The Chairman of ICIA/KLICEA, Mr Sam Maeng, said the association will create the best results as a bridge between Laos and Korea for cooperation and the development of energy-related projects between the two countries.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines, EDL, and ICIA/KLICEA organised the Energy Week event, which will henceforth be held annually.
ICIA/KLICEA will act as a bridge for energy business cooperation between the two countries and, for its implementation, a Memorandum of Understanding between GJTP, JNTP, EVEDI and ICIA/KLICEA was signed.
The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Malaytong Khommasith; Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr  Sinava Souphanouvong; Lao Ambassador to Korea, Mr Songkane Luangmunithone; Deputy Mayor of Vientiane, Mr Phouvong Vongkhamsao; Chairman of the Laos-Korea Friendship Association, Mr Khamsouay Keodalavong; Deputy Managing Director of EDL, Mr Vilaphorn Visounnarath; Vice President of the Lao Association On Dams, Mr Khampaseuth Thepvongsa; and the former Korean Ambassador to Laos, Mr Shin Sung-Soon.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update October 13, 2022)