May 7, 2004

Vietnam To Help Laos Develop Aquaculture Industry

Vietnamese Fisheries Minister Ta Quang Ngoc and Lao Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Siene Saphangthong signed the minutes of their working session on a co-operation plan for 2004-2005 in Hanoi last week.

Under the minutes, Vietnam will continue to hold training courses on aquaculture techniques for Lao experts and provide breeding fish for Laos.

The two countries will promote exchange of information on the market for aquacultural products and research in this field.

The two sides agreed to speed up procedures to submit a draft program on bilateral co-operation in aquaculture for the 2003-2005 period for the governments of the two countries for approval, and then for early incorporation into the co-operation pact signed between the two governments.

The draft program on Vietnam-Laos co-operation in aquaculture for the 2003-2005 period includes Vietnam helping Laos map out an overall development plan for the fisheries sector in the 2003-2010 period; upgrading the Luang Prabang fish breeding facility; and developing models for raising fish in rice fields and in small ponds.

The two ministers also agreed to ask the Joint Committee for Vietnam-Laos Co-operation for funds from Vietnam's non-refundable aid to implement the program.