The Vietnam-Laos CONINCO - NIAPP - AA Consulting Joint Venture signs a contract to implement the Flood and Drought Management and Mitigation Support Project (FDMMSP) in Laos funded by ADB

On December 12, 2024, a signing ceremony was held in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), for the Consulting Services Contract for the Flood and Drought Management and Mitigation Support Project (FDMMSP). The contract was signed between the Department of Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR, and the Joint Venture of Consultant and Inspection Joint Stock Company of Construction Technology and Equipment (CONINCO., Jsc), the National Institute of Agricultural Planning and Design (NIAPP), and Archineer Ocean Co., Ltd. (AA). The FDMMSP, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to improve water management infrastructure in Laos, contributing to environmental protection, enhancing the quality of life, and laying the groundwork for long-term development.

Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linkham Duangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos and Head of the Steering Committee; Mr. Srilirat Thongsin Thongpenh, Vice Mayor and Deputy Head of the Steering Committee of Vientiane; Dr. Som Lae Oon Sida, Vice Governor and Deputy Head of the Steering Committee of Khammouane Province; and Dr. Khampachanh Vongsana, Director of the Department of Irrigation and Deputy Head of the Project Steering Committee. Representatives from the Departments of Agriculture of Vientiane, Bolikhamxay Province, and Khammouane Province, as well as members of the Project Management Unit, were also in attendance.

Representing CONINCO., Jsc, the lead partner in the Joint Venture, were Mr. Phan Ngoc Cuong, Member of the Board of Directors and General Director; Mr. Le Thanh Minh, Deputy General Director and Chief of the Board of Directors Office; and Mr. Nguyen Dac Phuong, Deputy General Director.

In his address, Dr. Khampachanh Vongsana stated that the FDMMSP is a key project financed by a $32 million ADB loan and grant. The project, implemented by the Department of Irrigation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, will be deployed over five years across three provinces and six cities, including Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane. The project has three main objectives:
●    Enhancing flood management to minimize damage.
●    Ensuring water supply during the dry season.
●    Supporting the modernization of the agricultural meteorological information system.
After a rigorous international selection process involving 26 companies from 16 countries, the CONINCO - NIAPP - AA Joint Venture was selected based on its demonstrated expertise and experience. Dr. Vongsana requested that the Joint Venture dedicate the necessary human resources, expertise, and technology to ensure successful project implementation. He emphasized that the Project Management Unit and relevant agencies would provide full cooperation and support to facilitate the smooth execution of the project, ensuring technical soundness, quality, and adherence to the agreed schedule.

With its proven experience in the region, CONINCO., Jsc has been entrusted by the Vietnamese and Lao governments since 2004 to implement several significant projects, including the Lao National Assembly Office, the Lao-Viet Friendship High School, the Dong Kham Xang Finance School, and the Mekong Subregion Urban Development Corridor Project – Phase 4. CONINCO's deep understanding of local conditions, challenges, and community needs and its track record of success has positioned it to confidently lead this Joint Venture, undertaking 80% of the project workload.

The FDMMSP addresses the growing challenge of extreme weather events, a critical issue with profound economic and humanitarian implications. The project seeks to improve water management in Laos, enhance the quality of life, contribute to environmental protection, and foster sustainable agricultural development.

Expressing gratitude to the Lao Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and provincial leadership, Mr. Phan Ngoc Cuong, General Director of CONINCO., Jsc highlighted the company's commitment to immediate action. CONINCO has already mobilized key experts and initiated preparations for the first field survey and data collection required for the Inception Report, as stipulated in the contract. Mr. Cuong reiterated CONINCO's pledge to deliver the project with the highest quality and within the agreed timeframe, providing practical and sustainable solutions for Laos' agricultural sector.

Expressing gratitude to the Lao Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and provincial leadership, Mr. Phan Ngoc Cuong, General Director of CONINCO., Jsc highlighted the company's commitment to immediate action. CONINCO has already mobilized key experts and initiated preparations for the first field survey and data collection required for the Inception Report, as stipulated in the contract. Mr. Cuong reiterated CONINCO's pledge to deliver the project with the highest quality and within the agreed timeframe, providing practical and sustainable solutions for Laos' agricultural sector.

The signing of the FDMMSP Consulting Services Contract represents a significant milestone in CONINCO's expansion strategy within the Southeast Asian market. Mr. Cuong expressed his hope that this partnership would extend beyond the current project, forming the basis for a long-term and fruitful collaboration.

This successful signing ceremony reinforces the close and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, two nations with a longstanding tradition of friendship and mutual support. CONINCO is committed to contributing to the prosperity and sustainable development of both countries and the wider region.