Company news

On the morning of June 30, at the headquarters of Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), the Group hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Khammouane Provincial Government (Lao PDR) to discuss the implementation of the Lao Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project and to agree on coordinated actions to accelerate project progress in the coming period.

Representing Vinachem were Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp – Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the Members’ Council; Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Tú – Member of the Members’ Council, General Director; Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thu Bình – Member of the Members’ Council; Deputy General Directors Nguyễn Tuấn Dũng and Đào Trọng Cường; the Chief Accountant; leaders of specialized departments; and leaders of Vilachemsalt (Vietnam-Laos Chemical and Rock Salt Mine Company Limited).

The Khammouane delegation was led by Mr. Somsaat Ounsida, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Khammouane Provincial Government, together with other delegation members.

At the meeting, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp provided updates on the progress of the Lao Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project. He noted that the project’s Feasibility Study (FS) was completed by Vinachem and submitted to Lao authorities in November 2025. The dossier is currently under appraisal and is expected to be approved in July 2026.

Regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, Vinachem has completed the selection of a qualified consulting unit as required by the Lao Government, finalized the documentation, and submitted it for review and approval by the competent authority.

Vinachem is currently finalizing its implementation plan to ensure adherence to the overall project timeline. The Group aims to achieve first production from the mining and processing phase by 2027, marking an important milestone in project realization and affirming the initial effectiveness of cooperation between the parties involved.

The Chairman of the Members’ Council of Vinachem shared that, in recent times, the Group has actively coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies of both Vietnam and Laos to resolve difficulties encountered during project implementation. Through high-level meetings between the two Parties and States, the project has consistently received close attention and direction, and is highly valued for its economic, political, and bilateral cooperation significance.

Vinachem is continuing to work closely with Lao authorities to accelerate the completion of procedures and hopes the Lao Government will soon review and approve the relevant contents so that the project can be implemented as soon as possible.

Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp emphasized that the Lao Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project not only delivers investment benefits and secures raw materials for Vietnam’s fertilizer sector, but also has special political significance, strengthening traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. As a project of particular interest to the highest leaders of both Parties and States, Vinachem considers it a key political task and will focus all resources on its successful implementation.

He requested that the Khammouane provincial leadership continue to direct relevant departments to coordinate and support the Group in expediting the appraisal of the Environmental Impact Assessment report and to facilitate land clearance in accordance with the adjusted plan. Vinachem is committed to complying fully with Lao laws, ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of local people, and implementing the project safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

On behalf of the Group’s leadership, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp sincerely thanked the Khammouane Provincial Party Committee and Government for their ongoing support and partnership throughout the project’s implementation, and expressed hope that local authorities will continue to closely coordinate to promptly resolve difficulties and create favorable conditions for the project’s early execution.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Somsaat Ounsida expressed his pleasure at visiting and working with Vinachem; he highly appreciated the effective cooperation between Khammouane province and the Group in recent times and acknowledged Vinachem’s efforts in project preparation.

He affirmed that Khammouane province always values and facilitates investment and production development by Vietnamese enterprises in general and Vinachem in particular. The province will continue to direct relevant departments to closely coordinate and promptly address necessary procedures, especially those related to land, environment, and conditions required for timely project implementation.

Regarding Vinachem’s proposals, he stated that the Lao central authorities have essentially reached consensus. Matters within the province’s jurisdiction will be handled expeditiously to create the most favorable conditions for the Group’s next steps. Both sides should continue regular information exchange, agree on plans, schedules, and resources to ensure effective cooperation.

Highlighting the development potential of Khammouane, Mr. Somsaat Ounsida expressed hope that more Vinachem-affiliated enterprises will invest in the province in the future, contributing to socio-economic development, creating jobs for local people, and further strengthening the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

In response, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp expressed sincere thanks for the provincial leadership’s attention, support, and guidance for the project. He affirmed that, throughout implementation, Vinachem has always received active support from the Khammouane Provincial Party Committee, Government, and departments.

The Chairman of the Members’ Council of Vinachem stated that the project aims not only at potash mining but also at building a modern chemical industrial complex in Khammouane, developing a value chain of potash products and other high value-added chemical products, thereby promoting local socio-economic development.

He emphasized that environmental protection is a fundamental requirement throughout investment. The Group will apply advanced mining technologies, promote automation, and use modern equipment to ensure safety, improve production efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.

The meeting took place in an open, sincere, and friendly atmosphere, demonstrating the determination of Vinachem and Khammouane province to strengthen coordination and accelerate the progress of the Lao Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project, helping to realize cooperation agreements between the Vietnamese and Lao Governments and further nurture the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.