Vietnam asks Laos to review impacts of hydropower dam

Vietnam has urged Laos to continue its research on the environmental impacts of the planned Xayaburi Dam on the Mekong River.

Concerns over the proposed dam have also led to Vietnam asking Laos to perfect the designs for the dam.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi made the statement at a regular press briefing in Hanoi yesterday when answering a question about Vietnam's stance on the construction of Xayaburi dam in Laos.

Nghi added that he hoped Laos will work with Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in conducting careful and comprehensive research on the cumulative impacts on the environment, economics and society of all hydro-power plants expected to be built on the Mekong River.

He added that Vietnam expressed its viewpoint on taking the general management and sustainable development of the river into consideration while building hydro-power plants on the Mekong River at its discussions with Laos and International Mekong River Commission member countries.

The fair and reasonable exploitation and use of natural resources, especially water from the Mekong River, is of significance, and it is important to ensure the sustainable development of the Mekong River basin for the common benefits of riverside countries and locals living in the area, said Nghi.