VIENTIANE: Laos has secured a US$3.3 million grant from South Korea to launch the Laos National Water Resources Development Integrated Master Plan, strengthening long-term climate resilience and sustainable water resource management across the country.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed during a project kick-off meeting held at the Amari Hotel in Vientiane on Wednesday (July 29).
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dr Chanthakhone Boualaphanh and President of the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI), Mr Nam Kwang Woo, with senior officials from both countries in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Chanthakhone emphasised the vital role of water in Laos’ socio-economic development, agriculture, energy production and environmental conservation.
In his congratulatory remarks, Nam said South Korea and Laos have enjoyed more than 30 years of cooperation since diplomatic relations were restored in 1995, with bilateral ties elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership following last year’s summit.
He said the launch of the master plan marked progress in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
He said Laos is facing growing environmental challenges, including increasingly severe floods and droughts driven by climate change and rising environmental pressures linked to population growth.
Through the project, KEITI hopes to share South Korea’s advanced technologies and extensive experience in water resources management to help address these challenges.
The landmark initiative, which will run from 2026 to 2028, will provide Laos with a practical roadmap and technical evidence to support the ongoing revision of the Water and Water Resources Law.
The project aims to improve water resource management across major river basins, reduce water-related disaster risks, strengthen resilience to urban flooding, and establish stronger financial mechanisms and funding proposals for priority infrastructure and development projects.
The project is being commissioned by the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute. Implementation will be carried out by Saman Corporation in partnership with the Korea-Mekong Water Center (KOMEC), which will work closely with the Department of Water Resources and relevant Lao agencies throughout the project period.
“Water is one of our country’s most valuable natural resources,” Dr Chanthakhone said. “However, climate change, rapid development and increasing demand for water require us to improve the way we plan, manage and protect our water resources.”
The Deputy Minister said the Master Plan comes at a strategic time as the ministry is revising the Water and Water Resources Law. Findings and technical evidence generated by the project will directly support legal reforms and strengthen integrated water resources management across Laos’ main river basins.
The initiative is aligned with Laos’ National Water Resources Management and Use Strategy and basin-level management plans. It will also provide technical assistance, knowledge exchange, field studies and capacity-building opportunities, enabling Lao officials to benefit from South Korea’s expertise in water governance and innovative technologies.
Nam said KEITI will work closely with Lao partners throughout the project and said the institute would devote its full capabilities to ensuring the initiative becomes a model of environmental cooperation between Laos and South Korea.
Dr Chanthakhone called on all relevant ministries, local authorities, universities, development partners and the private sector to work closely with KEITI and the Department of Water Resources to ensure the successful implementation of the project and maximise its long-term benefits. - Vientiane Times/ANN
