The esteemed Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, has highlighted the significance of coal trading cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. This collaboration not only promotes economic development but also serves the dual goals of defense-security and international energy supply. In line with the mutual commitment to enhance energy cooperation, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien recently chaired a conference dedicated to fostering coal trading cooperation between the two nations.

During the conference, representatives from corporations and businesses in both countries reported on the electricity supply and coal import situation for the year 2023. They also discussed challenges, proposed solutions, and recommendations for the Ministry of Industry and Trade regarding coal imports from Laos. The Ministry's leaders attentively listened to and addressed the recommendations, while the relevant departments and agencies offered practical solutions to support businesses and overcome obstacles.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding on coal cooperation, which was signed between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Laos. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in energy collaboration between the two countries. Importing electricity and coal from Laos not only promotes economic development but also contributes to defense-security objectives and energy supply for the economy.

In light of this, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien outlined several key tasks and solutions to be implemented. For the power supply sector, he requested the Electricity Regulatory Authority and EVN (Electricity of Vietnam) to develop a quarterly power supply plan based on the 2023 Power Supply Plan. The plan should be reported monthly by EVN and adjusted on a monthly basis. Additionally, a price framework for different types of electricity should be developed, along with a price mechanism for imported electricity from Laos. Special mechanisms to address difficulties for gas power plants in 2024 should also be established.

Moreover, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien urged PVN (PetroVietnam), EVN, TKV (Vinacomin Coal Corporation), and investors of power plants and grids to prioritize the maintenance and repair of power units, infrastructure, and roads to ensure uninterrupted supply. The progress of ongoing and upcoming projects, especially key projects, should be accelerated. Focus should also be placed on the implementation of the 500kV circuit 3 line project. EVN should conduct research and propose the deployment of a new transmission line from Laos to Vietnam to increase electricity import capacity. Additionally, effective communication efforts should be undertaken to raise awareness of electricity activities, energy efficiency, and conservation.

Regarding coal and gas supply for electricity generation, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien requested the Petroleum and Coal Department to collaborate with EVN, TKV, PVN, Northeast Corporation, PvGas, and relevant units to review and adjust the coal supply plans each quarter. Monthly coal supply and reserve charts should be created and submitted to the department for review and reporting. Coal power plants should ensure the import and reserve of coal and gas to meet electricity generation requirements as per the instructions of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Lastly, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien called upon the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Lao embassy in Vietnam, and Lao coal supply businesses to promptly report and propose measures to the Lao Government. These measures should aim to reduce export taxes and associated fees for coal exporting to Vietnam. Additionally, investments and upgrades in infrastructure systems, warehouses, and coal transportation to Vietnam should be considered to facilitate smooth operations.