Naju City pursues energy expansion in Laos and public institution relocation

Naju City is advancing strategic initiatives to bolster its energy industry and regional development. During a recent visit to Vientiane, Laos, Mayor Yun Byeong-tae met with Lao officials to discuss international joint research and development (R&D) projects. The city signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Savannakhet Province, Laos, to promote technical exchange in renewable energy sectors, including solar power, energy storage systems (ESS), and smart grids.

In addition to energy cooperation, Naju has renewed an agreement with the Lao Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to expand the recruitment of foreign seasonal workers. This agreement includes enhanced protections for worker rights, such as mandatory insurance for wage arrears and the prevention of unauthorized third-party fees.

Domestically, Naju is campaigning to host the second phase of public institution relocations and the integrated headquarters of five major power companies. City officials held a rally at the National Assembly in Seoul to argue that relocating these entities to the Bitgaram Innovation City would complete the regional energy industry value chain, leveraging existing infrastructure like KEPCO and KENTECH to drive economic growth and job creation.