Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung at the ceremony (Source: VNA)
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Lao counterpart Thoosing Thammavong launched the exploitation and processing of potash salt mines, one of Vietnam ’s largest projects overseas, during a ground-breaking ceremony in Nongbok district, Khammouane province of Laos on September 13.
Invested by the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), the project spans as far as 10sq.km and is designed to turn out 320,000 tonner per year. It costs a total 522 million USD, 105 million USD of which is from the investor and the remaining from Vietnam ’s commercial banks.
The project is meant to ease the two countries’ reliance on imported potash fertilisers.
Addressing the ceremony, Lao PM Thammavong believed that on the back of Vietnam ’s expertise, the work will become operational in the near future, generating jobs for local workers and thus contributing to fostering Laos ’ economic development.
The Vietnamese leader, for his part, said the key project is part of a master plan to develop Vietnam’s chemical industry, adding that it will not only develop the local economy but also create a new driver for the bilateral economic ties.
He also took the occasion to ask Vinachem to work harder to meet schedule and deliver guaranteed quality.
The same day, the PM visited a memorial dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Sieng Vang village where he lived and worked from 1929-1931.
He also met Vietnamese nationals in the village and urged them to contribute to the local socio-economic development.-VNA
