LAOS CONSIDERING JOINING INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE

UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000294 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG KGHG SENV LA SUBJECT: LAOS CONSIDERING JOINING INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY REF: STATE 61286 ¶1. Embassy spoke with a wide range of officials in the Government of Laos (GOL) regarding potential membership in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). According to Mr. Khamphinh Philakon, the officer in the MFA's Department of International Organizations responsible for overseeing potential membership, the GOL is in the early stages of exploring the costs and benefits of joining IRENA. As many GOL ministries are involved in renewable energy, the Embassy estimates it will take at least 6 months to a year before the GOL reaches any decisions. This timetable could be advanced slightly if a donor agreed to pay the costs (travel/per diem) associated with membership. HUSO