Mr. Dang Hoang An – Secretary of Party Committee and Chairman of Board of Directors of EVN – presents flowers to welcome General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on his official visit to EVN. (Photo: Ng. Tuan)

Accompanying General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on his official visit and working session at Vietnam Electricity (EVN) were General Vilay Lakhamfong – Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP); Ms. Sisay Ludetmounsone – Politburo Member, Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, and Head of the LPRP Central Organization Commission; Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith – Politburo Member and Deputy Prime Minister; Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone – Politburo Member and Minister of National Defense; Mr. Phet Phomphiphak – Politburo Member, Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, and Chief of the LPRP Central Office; Mr. Thongsalith Mangnomek – Politburo Member and Minister of Education and Sports; Ms. Sounthone Xayachack – Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Vice President of the National Assembly; Mr. Anouphab Tounalom – Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee, and Chairman of the People's Council of Vientiane Capital; along with members of the LPRP Central Committee and Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Public Works and Transport, Industry and Commerce; Head of the LPRP Central Committee’s External Relations Commission; senior officials from the Lao Front for National Construction and the Ministry of Public Security; the General Secretary’s Assistant; officials from the Office of the President of Laos; and the Ambassador of Laos to Vietnam.

Also attending the working session was Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam, Ambassador of Vietnam to Laos

EVN Party Committee and Executive Leadership respectfully welcome General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: Ng. Tuan)

Welcoming the Lao delegation on behalf of EVN were Mr. Dang Hoang An – Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors; Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President & CEO; Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuan – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; along with members of the Party Standing Committee, Members of the Board of Directors, Vice Presidents of EVN, and leaders of affiliated units across the Group.

On behalf of the leadership, staff, and employees of Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Mr. Dang Hoang An – Chairman of the Board of Directors – extended a warm welcome and expressed great honor in receiving Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary and President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, along with the high-level delegation of the Party and State of Laos on their official visit and working session at EVN.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, together with high-level delegation of Laos Party and State, pay an official visit and held a working session at Vietnam Electricity (EVN). (Photo: G. Hieu)

EVN Chairman of the Board of Directors Dang Hoang An emphasized that the State visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic holds profound significance, taking place in the context of the successful conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The visit affirms the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic linkage between Vietnam and Laos.

The visit and working session at Vietnam Electricity (EVN) by the General Secretary and President of Laos reflects the deep interest and attention of the leadership of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, as well as of Comrade General Secretary and President personally, in fostering cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in the field of energy and electricity—an essential area of collaboration that makes significant contributions to the socio-economic development of both countries.

According to Mr. Dang Hoang An, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EVN, as of now, the total installed power generation capacity of Vietnam's electricity system has reached 87.6GW, ranking second in the ASEAN region and 20th globally. EVN is a state-owned enterprise that plays a pivotal role in ensuring Vietnam’s national energy security. The Group manages nearly 37% of the country’s total generation capacity, produces over 40% of the national electricity output, operates the 500kV and 220kV transmission systems as well as the 110kV and nationwide distribution networks, and serves as the sole electricity purchaser in Vietnam’s power market

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and EVN Party Secretary and Chairman of Board of Directors Dang Hoang An at working session. (Photo: G. Hieu)

In recent years, under the leadership of the two Parties and the two States, cooperation in the energy sector—particularly in power system interconnection and electricity exchange between Vietnam and Laos—has been significantly strengthened and is considered a highlight in the two countries’ economic partnership. "EVN has been closely working with relevant authorities, enterprises, and investors in Laos to implement numerous projects on grid and power source connectivity, effectively harnessing Laos’ potential and strengths in hydropower and renewable energy. This cooperation contributes to ensuring energy security, supporting socio-economic development, and improving the livelihoods of people in both countries," affirmed EVN Chairman of the Board of Directors.

EVN’s leadership expressed their belief that the visit and working session by the General Secretary and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic will serve as a new driving force to promote the expansion of practical and effective cooperation between the power sectors of the two countries—between EVN and Lao enterprises, energy and electricity authorities—thus making a positive contribution to strengthening and advancing the special Vietnam–Laos relationship in the new era.

High-level delegation of Lao Party and State hold a working session at Vietnam Electricity (EVN). (Photo: Ng. Tuan)

At the program, EVN President and CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan delivered a report on the Group’s operations and shared EVN’s experiences in reforming state-owned enterprises. In accordance with the guidelines and directives of the Party and the State, since 2011, EVN has developed five-year restructuring plans, which were submitted to and approved by the Prime Minister for implementation. The restructuring efforts have focused on three main areas: organizational and ownership restructuring; restructuring of business sectors and lines; and innovation and enhancement of corporate governance capacity.

EVN President and CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan also reported on the status of Vietnam–Laos cooperation in the power sector. Regarding electricity exports to Laos, EVN is currently supplying electricity to several Lao localities along the shared border via a 22kV medium-voltage grid.

EVN President and CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan delivers report at working session. (Photo: Ng. Tuan)

Regarding electricity imports from Laos to Vietnam, in recent years, EVN has actively worked with power project investors in Laos to facilitate imports into Vietnam, in accordance with the Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding signed between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. By the end of 2025, the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Industry and Trade had approved the policy to import electricity from 47 power source projects in Laos, with a total capacity of 8,260MW.

Power plants in Laos have been commissioned and are currently supplying electricity to Vietnam, with a total commercial operating capacity of 2,379MW. It is expected that an additional 5,881MW will be put into operation during the 2026–2030 period, thereby fulfilling the target for electricity imports from Laos to Vietnam as outlined in the Agreement signed between the two Governments in January 2025, which sets a minimum goal of 8,000MW by 2030.

During the program, representatives from both sides exchanged and discussed shared areas of interest, such as EVN’s experience in reforming and restructuring state-owned enterprises, the development of nuclear power projects, among others.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN) presents 500kV transformer model to General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: Ng. Tuan)

Speaking at the working session, General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith acknowledged EVN as a long-established corporation, holding a leading position in the ASEAN region with a strong regional reputation. He congratulated EVN on its achievements and significant contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. He also expressed appreciation for EVN’s support in supplying electricity to several localities in Laos that currently lack the capacity for self-sufficiency.

Leaders of the Party and State of Laos called on EVN and Lao enterprises to further strengthen their cooperation, in line with the strategic directions set by the two Parties and Governments. Regarding the partnership between EVN and EDL (Electricité du Laos), the General Secretary and President of Laos expressed his confidence that this is a long-term and sustainable collaboration. He hoped that the two entities would maintain a close, brotherly relationship, with EVN continuing to share its experience and technology in power supply, enterprise reform, and other relevant areas.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith wished EVN continued strong growth and greater success, affirming his hope that the Group would keep making positive contributions to Vietnam’s development and to the flourishing cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Translator: Hoàng Duy Khánh