Importing coal from Laos: Only work, no back talk

The Minister of Industry and Trade affirmed that the amount of imported coal is still limited, it is necessary to remove difficulties to promote coal imports from Laos, only discuss action, not retreat...

On August 27, in Hanoi , Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien chaired a working session with corporations and groups in the energy and mineral sectors to promote coal trade cooperation with Laos.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien chaired a meeting with energy corporations and groups on August 27. Photo: BCT

Participating are Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV), Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), Dong Bac Corporation and Vietnam Oil and Gas Power Corporation.

The Department of Oil, Gas and Coal said it has advised and directed thermal power plants and related units to consider purchasing coal from Laos for electricity production, in compliance with the Prime Minister 's direction. In the 2025-2030 period, Vietnam needs to import a large amount of coal (about 60-100 million tons/year), but currently, coal trading cooperation with Laos is facing difficulties due to limited transport infrastructure and high transportation costs, reducing the competitiveness of Lao coal compared to other sources.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized the importance of implementing the Government's directive to promote coal trading cooperation with Laos. This cooperation is not only an economic development task but also an important political task between the two countries.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien said that the current coal import volume is still modest, not commensurate with the needs and potential of the two countries. The Minister asked the corporations and general companies to prepare a comprehensive assessment report on the needs and conditions for implementing coal trading cooperation, in order to build a cooperation agreement with three main groups of issues: import volume, trading methods and import quantity allocation.

The Department of Oil, Gas and Coal will urgently seek opinions from ministries, branches and localities to complete the draft agreement, ensuring quality and progress for the Ministry of Industry and Trade to submit to the Government.

VAN PHUC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhap-khau-than-tu-lao-chi-ban-lam-khong-ban-lui-post755984.html