PHNOM PENH, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have signed an energy cooperation agreement, hastening the construction of two World Bank-funded power lines from Vietnam to Kompong Cham province and Laos to Stung Treng province, local media reported Wednesday.
The construction will start in 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2010, the Cambodia Daily newspaper said, citing Tan Kim Vin, direct general of the state-run Electricity du Cambodge.
One power line will stretch from Tay Ninh province in southern Vietnam through Ponhea Krek district to Tbong Khmum district's Suong commune in Kompong Cham, Tan Kim Vin said, adding that the second line from Champasak province in Laos will reach Stung Treng provincial town.
Mohinder Gulati, a World Bank energy specialist, said last year that the lines are expected to greatly reduce the cost of electricity in those areas.
The lines will cost a total of 18 million U.S. dollars, said Ith Praing, Secretary of State for the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy.
While Vietnam already provides Cambodia with power via more than seven cross-border points, the deals marks the first time resources from Laos will directly benefit Cambodia, he said.
Editor: Yao Siyan
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