As part of the deal, the partnership will provide a dialogue platform between the Lao government and the business community to ensure that hydropower projects will be developed and operated in a sustainable way that protects the environment and local people’s livelihoods.
Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Sisavath Thiravong said the collaboration with IFC marks the chamber’s commitment to hydropower focused working group that channels the sector wide issues and challenges to the government.
"As a global standard-setter on environmental and social practices, IFC will provide the local hydropower developers with knowledge and experience to effectively manage the sustainability risks of their projects," Thiravong added.
The IFC and chamber will conduct a series of seminars to introduce to hydropower companies a set of standards, tools and best practices that help develop hydropower projects in a environmentally and socially sustainable manner, throughout 2014.
