Lao and Korean officials join invited guests for a group photo to mark the start of the project’s feasibility study in Vientiane on Thursday.

High-level seminar kicks off feasibility study on wastewater treatment in Vientiane

Capacity for tackling wastewater management challenges in Laos will be expanded, thanks to the government of the Republic of Korea.
The project, funded by Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and executed by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), seeks to enhance the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Laos.
Its goals include improving living conditions, fostering sustainable urban development, and supporting the country’s long-term environmental and economic growth.

(From left) Mr Kim Hwadong, Mr Saysongkham Manodham, and Mr Jung Yung Soo co-chair the event.

A high-level seminar to launch a Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) titled “Feasibility Study for the Development of a Wastewater Treatment System in the Vientiane Area of Laos” took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Vientiane.
This milestone event marks the start of a critical initiative aimed at tackling wastewater management challenges in Laos.
The seminar was co-chaired by Senior Advisor and former CEO of the Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation, Mr Kim Hwadong; Laos’ Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Mr Saysongkham Manodham; and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Jung Yung Soo.
In his opening remarks, Mr Kim Hwadong emphasised the transformative impact that wastewater system development could have on Laos.
He highlighted its potential to boost the economy, enhance the well-being of citizens, and attract more tourists to the capital. He also noted that the feasibility study could enable the Lao government to seek funding from Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) for project implementation.
Mr Saysongkham Manodham expressed gratitude for Korea’s support and underscored the critical need for human resource development in this sector. He urged the project team to include a comprehensive training programme for Lao officials at both the central and local levels.
Reflecting on bilateral relations, Mr Jung Yung Soo voiced confidence that the initiative would enhance collaboration between the two nations and strengthen economic ties, particularly in sustainability-driven activities.
During the event, Acting Director General of the Water Supply Department at the MPWT, Ms Phouvanh Senbouttalath, outlined Laos’ national development plans for wastewater systems. Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport, Dr Somchaivang Dethoudom, provided an update on the status of wastewater infrastructure in Vientiane.
Distinguished attendees included the Director General of the International Cooperation Department at KOTRA Headquarters, Dr Park Chulho, and the Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, Mr Park Jungwe.
Other participants included representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Health, Vientiane City Office for Management and Services (VCOMS), National University of Laos, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and various private sector stakeholders.
The project is being executed by a Korean consortium comprising Hannam University, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, and QIV Corporation.
The team is led by Professor Kim Geon-Ha, a wastewater management expert with over 30 years of experience. Professor Kim presented the project’s implementation framework, including its key activities, anticipated outputs, and a step-by-step research methodology.
Mr Park Jungwe highlighted the economic potential of the project, describing it as a catalyst for securing additional funding through the Economic Innovation Partnership Programme (EIPP) or EDCF.
He expressed optimism about its role in improving urban living standards, boosting tourism, and fostering economic collaboration between Korea and Laos.
The KSP programme aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable wastewater management in Laos by applying Korea’s advanced treatment technologies.
It also includes tailored capacity-building programmes designed to equip Lao officials with the skills necessary for effective system management at both the national and local levels.
As Laos continues to modernise its infrastructure with international support, this initiative represents a pivotal step in addressing urban environmental challenges.
By fostering bilateral cooperation with Korea, the project is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in Vientiane while contributing to sustainable economic development and environmental sustainability.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 28, 2025)