Answering a reporter's query on Laos’ plan to construct a dam in Luang Prabang in April raised at the ministry’s regular press conference on March 5, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said that as a country lying in the Mekong River's downstream region, Vietnam has paid much attention to cross-border impacts of not only the Luang Prabang hydropower project, but all hydropower works on the river's mainstream.

“As we have repeatedly stated, countries, which have legitimate interests in using the Mekong River’s water resources for development, have a shared responsibility for the sustainable use of the water resources,” Hang stressed.

“Vietnam wants and is willing to intensify cooperation with the countries along the Mekong River to manage and use efficiently and sustainably its water resources in order to ensure the harmony of benefits of the countries without negative impacts on the lives of people living in the region,” she added./. VNA

Don't silence the Mekong River

Last month, the Mekong River Commission announced the commencement of Prior Consultation for Luang Prabang, the fifth lower Mekong mainstream dam to undergo the process.

Sand overexploitation of Mekong River raises worries for Mekong Delta

The loss of sand has caused erosion and increased salinity as well as subsidence in the Mekong Delta.