"We had long discussions with our Myanmar counterparts," said Laos Vice Minister for Energy and Mines Viraphonh Vilavong. "Viraphonh on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thai Energy Minister General Anantaporn Kanjanarat and Malaysian counterpart Johnity Ongkili that would allow the transportation of electricity.Singapore, the originator of the LTMS (Lao-Thai—Malaysia-Singapore) grid delayed the signing but Viraphonh said he is confident the richest among Asean countries would ink it soon. "The signing that Asean ministers hailed as a "milestone" paves the way for future exchange of goods and services across Asean borders. Existing grids allow transmission to be done today without any additional cost," the Lao minister said.Myanmar has a 350-kilometre border with Laos. A special category for "clean coal" was created last year as a bi-annual event.Thailand is the largest buyer of Laos' energy but the growing economies of Myanmar and Vietnam will mean demand will rise.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 24, 2016 18:00 UTC