21 hours ago
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
