Lao and Chinese officials open the National Survey and Engineering Design for Energy and Mining Industries Centre in Vientiane.

New centre set to boost innovation in energy and mining

The newly-opened National Survey and Engineering Design for Energy and Mining Industries Centre (SEDEMIC) will help to strengthen Laos’ capacity in water resources, energy and mining, spurring developments in science and high-quality engineering, alongside a strong commitment to sustainability.
The inauguration of the Centre and the presentation of a plaque last week was attended by Laos’ Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Chanthaboun Soukaloun, and Deputy Governor of Yunnan province, China, Mr Wang Xueqin, joined by other officials from Laos and China.
The idea to establish the Centre was first mooted in 2018 between the Institute for Industry, Commerce and Energy of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Design and Research Institute at the Kunming University of Science and Technology.

Lao and Chinese officials gather at the inauguration ceremony and the presentation of a plaque to the Centre.

Director General of the Institute for Industry, Commerce and Energy, Dr Anousak Phongsavath, said “Policymakers and technical teams clearly saw the need for a dedicated national centre that could provide professional survey and engineering design services, especially for the energy and mining industries, and support better planning and management of our water resources.”
Although institutional structures have since been reorganised and the mandates of ministries have evolved, this original vision has remained consistent and has guided us up to the present day, he added.
“Following the formation of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in its current form, this concept was further studied, refined, and aligned with our new roles.”
This official approval reflects the strong commitment of the ministry’s leadership to build modern, professional institutions able to support industrialisation, energy security, and sustainable natural resource management, Dr Anousak said.
“The Centre will serve as a national hub of expertise connecting field data, scientific analysis, and practical engineering solutions. It will also help the government to make better decisions, reduce the risks from natural disasters, and promote balanced, green and resilient growth,” he added.
The establishment of the Centre is based on a solid foundation of long-term cooperation between the Institute for Industry, Commerce and Energy and Kunming University of Science and Technology, which further strengthens the Laos-China relationship.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update December 4, 2025)