In response to correspondents’ queries about Vietnam’s viewpoint on the hydro-electric dam projects on the upstream Mekong River, Mr Dung said that “As a country located in the Mekong River sub-region, Vietnam is concerned about information related to the harmful impact of exploitation on the river’s flow and its ecological environment, particularly in countries in the river basin.  

He stressed that the Mekong is an international river so its exploitation should take into account the interests of the countries through which it passes, as well as issues related to environmental protection, water resource management and the welfare of people.

According to Mr Dung, Vietnam has been actively coordinating with member countries of the Mekong River Commission to develop cooperation programmes and projects in order to protect and find the best ways to use its natural resources, especially the river’s water.

“Vietnam hopes related countries will cooperate on these issues to satisfy the demand for sustainable development of all countries in the river basin,” the spokesman concluded.