Loan for Lao Hydropower Dam

by Ma Nguyen Tong

13-1-2003

Local energy and services provider, Tractebel Electricity and Gas International Co Ltd, has completed the financing of its Lao hydroelectric power project, Houay Ho Power Co Ltd, its CEO Dirk Beeuwsaert said on January 12, 2002. It said it would now begin to solicit international engineering consulting firms with expertise in hydropower projects, particularly in Laos and Thailand because of the need for language and cultural understanding for this project.

A syndicate of Thai banks - led by Bangkok Bank and including Bank of Ayudhya Plc, BankThai and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand - will provide the US$95-million (4.1 billion baht) facility.

The Belgian export credit agency, ONDD, will provide political risk coverage to Tractebel.