President of the Asia National Assembly Water Consultative Board, Ms Han Jeong-ae, makes a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Wednesday. --Photo Prime Minister’s Office

PM affirms govt’s water management strategy

The government is working towards the goals outlined in its Vision to 2040 and the National Strategy on Water Resource Management and Utilisation to 2030, to ensure the sustainable management and use of the country’s water resources.
These goals aim to support clean energy development and long-term socio-economic growth and were communicated by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to the President of the Asia National Assembly Water Consultative Board (AAWC), Ms Han Jeong-ae, when she paid a courtesy visit on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prime Minister Sonexay said Laos remains committed to fulfilling its international obligations under the Paris Agreement on climate change while promoting the sustainable management of water resources to strengthen climate resilience, expand clean energy production, and support long-term socio-economic development.
Welcoming Ms Han and her delegation, the Prime Minister said he highly valued the cooperative relationship between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea and congratulated the organisers on the successful convening of the 9th AAWC Meeting and the 3rd Roundtable on Climate and Water Issues.
He praised the Asia National Assembly Water Consultative Board for its continued efforts in promoting dialogue and cooperation on sustainable water resource management across Asia.
Laos continues to make sustainable use of its abundant water resources through hydropower plants that generate clean energy for domestic consumption and export, while ensuring responsible and sustainable water management.
Prime Minister Sonexay called for closer cooperation between the AAWC and the Lao National Assembly, particularly in developing irrigation systems and strengthening integrated water resource management in the agricultural and industrial sectors to enhance production and support sustainable socio-economic development.
He also encouraged greater cooperation in mobilising financial support, technical expertise and advanced technologies, while promoting private sector investment in projects that add value to Laos’ water resources and create mutual economic benefits.
The Prime Minister requested the AAWC to encourage businesses in the Republic of Korea and other member countries to explore investment opportunities in Laos.
He also asked Ms Han to convey his greetings and an invitation to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea to pay an official visit to Laos at a mutually convenient time.
Ms Han thanked Prime Minister Sonexay for the warm reception and briefed him on the outcomes of the 9th AAWC Meeting and the 3rd Roundtable on Climate and Water Issues.
She said delegates discussed issues relating to sustainable water resource management and climate change, while strengthening regional cooperation to address shared challenges.
Ms Han expressed the AAWC’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Lao National Assembly and government, saying the Prime Minister’s recommendations would provide valuable guidance for expanding practical cooperation on water governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the region.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 31, 2026)