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On the afternoon of 8 October 2026, the Vietnam–Laos Investment Promotion and Business Dialogue Conference took place in Vientiane, Laos, as part of the official visit of Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and the high-level Vietnamese delegation from 8 to 9 October 2026. At the conference, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp – Party Secretary and Chairman of the Members’ Council of the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) – delivered a speech on the implementation of the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Nongbok district, Khammouane province, and called for continued support from the Lao authorities to address difficulties and accelerate the project’s progress.

The Vietnam–Laos Investment Promotion and Business Dialogue Conference is an important event during the official visit of Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng, attended by representatives of government agencies, organisations, businesses, and the private sector from both countries. The conference provides a forum for the governments, ministries, sectors, and business communities of Vietnam and Laos to discuss the investment environment, resolve obstacles, promote projects, and expand investment and business cooperation.

In his speech, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp expressed Vinachem’s gratitude for the attention, guidance, and support of the governments and relevant ministries and sectors of both Vietnam and Laos for the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Nongbok district, Khammouane province.

According to Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp, Vinachem regards the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Laos as a key project for the Group. Timely implementation of the project is not only significant for Vinachem’s production and business activities, but is also a matter of particular political importance for the Group. Vinachem is currently adhering to the implementation milestones reported to the competent authorities and cooperating with Lao authorities to complete the necessary procedures.

Accelerating Approval of Documents to Expedite Project Implementation

In terms of progress, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp stated that the Feasibility Study (FS) dossier for the project was submitted by Vinachem on 3 November 2025 and has been updated and refined several times as requested by the appraisal authority and the Department of Geology and Mines – Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos.

Regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Vinachem submitted the report on 21 May 2026 and has completed community consultation as required.

Based on this, Vinachem requested that the Lao authorities expedite the appraisal and approval of both the FS and EIA in October 2026, enabling the project to move into the construction phase as soon as possible.

Alongside accelerating document approvals, Vinachem also requested the continued application of tax policies for the project. Specifically, the Group proposed maintaining a 0% export tax rate and a 4% resource tax rate as agreed between the Group and the Lao Government, effective until 2037; and to consider applying a 20% corporate income tax rate for the project, similar to incentives granted to other potash mining projects in Laos by foreign investors.

To shorten preparation time and allow for early project implementation, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp proposed that, while awaiting FS approval, the Lao authorities consider permitting Vinachem to commence certain works such as compensation, site clearance, and auxiliary works. Vinachem committed to working closely with Lao authorities and partners to ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with regulations.

In addition to focusing on the potash salt project, Vinachem is also maintaining and expanding commercial cooperation with Lao enterprises. According to Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp, the Group’s import–export turnover with Lao enterprises in recent years has reached approximately 70 million USD per year. The Group has also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Phongsavanh Group and participated in product promotion at the 2026 Vietnam–Laos Trade Fair.

In his remarks at the conference, Vinachem’s leadership affirmed that Laos is always regarded as a key partner area and expressed the hope for continued attention and support from the governments, ministries, and agencies of both countries to resolve difficulties and promote the progress of the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Nongbok district.

Vinachem is committed to focusing resources and working closely with Lao authorities and partners to ensure the project is implemented in compliance with regulations and according to schedule, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of investment and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.