Vientiane Times, March 19, 2015 President of the National Assembly (NA) Ms Pany Yathotou paid a recent visit to Nam Ngiep1 hydropower project in Borikhamxay province.  The main purpose of the visit was to tour the project site and meet village chiefs and representatives from the villages affected to discuss issues concerning the hydroelectric power project.  Ms Pany travelled to the village of Hat Ngeun close to project site, accompanied by government representatives including the Governor of Borikhamxay province Mr Parn Noymany, Deputy Governor of Xaysomboun province Mr Laopaoxiong Navongxay as well as members of the board of directors and management of Nam Ngiep1 Power Company (NNP1PC).  While in Hat Ngeun the President of the NA listened to reports from local authority representatives, village chiefs and respected members of the community from villages that will be affected by the hydroelectric project.  Managing Director of NNP1PC, Mr Yoshihiro Yamabayashi also made a brief presentation on the recent status of the project, followed by an address by the Governor of Borikhamxay province who addressed issues facing the project. Village chiefs and respected community members then had an opportunity to raise issues of concern with Ms Pany who was able to respond to their questions directly.  Her visit culminated with the handover of medical supplies on behalf of the NNP1PC to representatives from the affected villages. NNP1PC is co-owned by KPIC Netherlands (45 percent) which a subsidiary of Japan’s Kansai Electric Power, EGAT International of Thailand (30 percent) and the Lao Holding State Enterprise (25 percent).  The project’s objective is to provide electricity to the Lao national grid and to neighbouring countries to earn foreign exchange needed for national development.