Singapore and Laos deepen cooperation in energy, environment and digital domains
Singapore and Laos are stepping up cooperation in emerging areas such as energy, digital, sustainability and environmental protection as they mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024.
On Wednesday, four memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the two countries were signed and exchanged at the Istana.
This was witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Laos Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, who was in Singapore for his first official visit at the invitation of PM Lee.
The MOU on energy cooperation includes renewable energy deployment in Laos, the development of regional power grids and grid interconnections for cross-border electricity trade, as well as the development of systems and procedures to measure, report and verify renewable energy.
It was signed by Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and Dr Daovong Phonekeo, Laos Minister of Energy and Mines.
The MOU builds on the successful commencement of the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project in June. This is Singapore’s first renewable energy import, bringing in up to 100MW of electricity from Laos via Thailand and Malaysia using existing interconnections.
“It will enhance cross-border electricity trading in the region, and enable countries in the region to decarbonise and meet domestic energy needs, while creating jobs and economic growth for the source countries,” said Dr Tan. “It is also a step towards realizing the broader ASEAN Power Grid vision.”
Another MOU, signed by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and Laos Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit, enhances cooperation in environmental management and protection, water resources and climate change.
Building on an earlier MOU signed in 2018, the latest MOU will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and create green growth opportunities for businesses.
An MOU on digital cooperation will cover areas such as data, digital government, cyber security, emerging technology, digital infrastructure and scams. This was signed by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Dr Santisouk Simmalavong, Laos Deputy Minister for Technology and Communications.
Both foreign ministries also established bilateral consultations with an MOU inked by Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith.
Earlier on Wednesday, PM Phankham received a ceremonial welcome at the Istana when he called on President Halimah Yacob and PM Lee.
Madam Halimah and PM Phankham agreed there was much scope to deepen collaboration, including on human resource development as well as promoting business and tourism links. She also expressed Singapore’s continued support for Laos’ development and capacity building.