VINACHEM

On November 13, 2025, within the framework of a business trip to the Lao PDR, the delegation of the Vietnam National Chemical Group (VINACHEM) held a working session with Mr. Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Laos, to report, discuss, and agree on collaborative efforts for the implementation of the Potash Rock Salt Mining and Processing Project in Khammouane province—a key cooperation project between the Governments of Vietnam and Laos.

The working delegation included Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp, Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the Member Council of the Group; Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Tú, General Director and CEO of the Group; Mr. Đào Trọng Cường, Deputy General Director of the Group, along with representatives from the leadership of several specialized departments and the Vietnam Lao Chemical and Rock Salt Limited Company (Vilachemsalt).

At the session, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp reported to Minister Malaythong Kommasith on the project's implementation progress, affirming that VINACHEM is making maximum effort and high determination to accelerate the schedule to put the project into operation soon. The Chairman of the Member Council emphasized: “The Potash Salt Mining Project not only carries economic significance but also has special political value, demonstrating VINACHEM's responsibility, role, and prestige before the Vietnamese Government, while contributing to nurturing the special Vietnam-Laos friendship.”

To resolve bottlenecks and ensure timely progress, VINACHEM proposed three core matters to the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce: Promptly select an appraisal unit and approve the appraisal deadline as soon as possible; Accelerate the inspection and appraisal process to yield results soon; and Upon receiving the appraisal results, agree on the approval of the Feasibility Study (FS) so that the project can proceed according to plan.

Chairman Phùng Quang Hiệp affirmed: “VINACHEM will not discuss scaling back; we only discuss moving forward, turning pressure into action, with the highest determination for the project to succeed and bring about economic efficiency and profound political significance.”

Speaking at the session, Minister Malaythong Kommasith assessed the Potash Rock Salt Mining Project as a key project with important political and economic significance, contributing to strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries, Vietnam and Laos. The Minister acknowledged VINACHEM’s efforts during the implementation process and requested the Group to continue accelerating the pace, bringing quality products to the market soon; and to study the establishment of industrial farms linked to deep processing in Khammouane province, creating momentum for local socio-economic development.

The working session took place in an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and responsibility, demonstrating the mutual determination of both sides to make the Potash Rock Salt Mining Project a symbol of effective and sustainable economic cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.