Latest news with #MinistryofAgricultureandForestry
The Star
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos–Korea Agro Fair marks 30 years of growing partnership
VIENTIANE: The Laos–Korea Agro Fair 2025 took place in Vientiane from June 6-7 to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between Laos and the Republic of Korea, while also highlighting achievements in agricultural cooperation and rural development. The event provided a platform to strengthen ties in sustainable agriculture and rural income generation between the two nations. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the fair brought together Lao villagers, Korean NGOs, the Korea Programme on International Agriculture, the Saemaul Foundation and agro-food companies. Exhibitions focused on rural development, community empowerment, farmer income generation, and business linkages between Lao and Korean agri-food enterprises. KOICA showcased results from its flagship project, 'Establishment of an Action Plan for Rural Income Generation in the Northern and Central Regions of the Lao PDR (2021–2025)'. Villagers from 14 communities participating in the project displayed and sold locally grown and processed goods, demonstrating the commercial potential of regional specialities and smallholder farming. The project, implemented with the Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Korea Development Strategy Institute (KDS), supports community-led development in 14 villages across Vientiane, Borikhamxay and Xieng Khuang provinces. Meanwhile, KOTRA facilitated the import and customs clearance of Korean agri-food products, which were sold by Lao buyers at 11 booths. Local distributors such as GUBI Co., Ltd. and NEXUS SOLE Co., Ltd. marketed items including health supplements, beverages and snacks, while gathering feedback from consumers. In a special initiative, the top three winners of the Korea–Laos Food Pairing Idea Contest signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the 33 Tteokbokki franchise. Their Lao–Korean fusion dishes will launch at the franchise's store opening in July. The winners also presented their creations in live cooking demonstrations, which drew enthusiastic responses from attendees. In recognition of booth performance, KOTRA presented awards to three of the 11 participating booths at the fair. First prize went to Nexus Sole Co., Ltd., followed by the Vone brand name with second prize, while AK Trading Co., Ltd. was awarded the third prize. The fair helped to raise the profile of Korean agri-food brands in Laos. KOTRA plans to continue supporting buyer-led operations and demand-driven export models for sustainable market expansion. The opening ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Yungsoo Jung; Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh; KOICA Laos Country Director, Sungsoo Oh; KOTRA Vientiane Director, Jungwe Park; and the Deputy Governors of Xieng Khuang and Vientiane provinces. Ambassador Jung said, 'Marking 30 years of diplomatic ties, Korea and Laos are celebrating their upgraded comprehensive partnership through sectoral events—June highlighting agriculture and rural development as both countries pursue a mutually beneficial partnership.' Minister Dr Linkham noted, 'The Laos–Korea Agro Fair is a platform for farmers and institutions to exchange knowledge and innovations. It is also a meaningful occasion for the peoples of Korea and Laos to showcase their strengths and reflect on 30 years of close cooperation.' KOICA Director Oh Seong-su said, 'This fair was a meaningful occasion to reflect on our journey of agricultural and rural development cooperation and to chart a shared path forward. KOICA is committed to field-based collaboration that supports community-centred rural growth.' Jungwe Park of KOTRA added, 'This fair served as a valuable opportunity to understand the markets and cultures of both countries through various programs and to lay the groundwork for practical business cooperation. We look forward to the continued expansion of agricultural collaboration and economic exchange between the two nations.' The two-day fair attracted more than 3,000 visitors, offering a diverse selection of agricultural products and processed goods from both countries. The event is seen as a milestone in advancing sustainable agricultural development and expanding public–private partnerships in the agri-food sector. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos aims to boost fisheries sector and strengthen its development of food security
VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Laos' Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will work with its partners to strengthen the fisheries sector, aiming to promote the sustainable development of the country's fisheries industry. According to the ministry's report on Friday, the ministry will continue its efforts to enhance the fisheries sector, including improving fish breeding and hybridization, advancing fish fry care, and promoting aquaculture. The ministry also plans to develop locally sourced fish feed, conduct genetic research, and support the registration of fish species in Laos. Additional priorities include promoting integrated fish farming, expanding fisheries trade and exchange, and strengthening human resource capacity through targeted training programs. The Lao government is encouraging farmers and producers to supply more goods to the domestic market and to produce more for export to bring in much-needed foreign currency and help reduce high foreign exchange rates. The Lao government is targeting a 4.3 percent growth in agriculture for 2025, aiming to increase the sector's contribution to 22.4 percent of the country's gross domestic product. - Xinhua
United News of India
14-05-2025
- General
- United News of India
Laos intensifies efforts to get global recognition for Nakai-Nam Theun National Park
Vientiane, May 14 (UNI) Laos is ramping up efforts to secure international recognition for Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, one of the country's largest and most ecologically diverse protected areas that is home to numerous animal and bird species, in order to tackle environmental threats. Authorities are focusing on illegal hunting, unauthorised harvesting of forest products, and human encroachment in protected zones. Reforestation programmes are being expanded, and government agencies have been urged to improve livelihoods in surrounding villages as part of a broader conservation strategy, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, reports Xinhua. 'This isn't just about forest protection—it's about building a future where people and nature can coexist sustainably,' said Savanh Chanthakoumane, Executive Director of the park, according to Pha Khao Lao. Covering over 427,000 hectares across Khammuan and Bolikhamxay provinces, Nakai-Nam Theun is one of the largest and most ecologically diverse protected areas in Laos. It supports a wide range of habitats—from evergreen to montane forests—and is home to over 90 mammal species, more than 400 bird species, and dozens of amphibians, reptiles and fish. Designated a key biodiversity area within the Indo-Burma hotspot, the park has long been recognised for its global significance. It was ranked as a priority for biodiversity conservation in 2001 and, by 2008, identified as one of Southeast Asia's richest regions for endemism. At the recent 17th meeting of the park's management committee, chaired by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Lien Thikeo, officials approved an application to join the IUCN Green List—a certification recognising best practices in protected area management. 'This is a significant milestone in our efforts to gain international recognition,' said Chanthakoumane. 'But more importantly, it sets a standard that other protected areas in Laos can follow.' Jake Brunner, head of IUCN's Indo-Burma Group, described the Green List as 'a powerful tool that recognises and supports well-managed conservation areas, while strengthening local capacity through collaboration.' In parallel, the Lao government is preparing to nominate the park for UNESCO World Heritage status. If successful, Nakai-Nam Theun would become a national model for forest and biodiversity conservation—aligning with Laos' broader commitment to green and sustainable development. UNI ANV RN
