December 31, 2024

 

South Korea pledges US$8.1 million for Laos agricultural development projects

South Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has committed US$8.1 million in grants to Laos's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for two agricultural development projects.

 

The agreements were formalised at a signing ceremony held in Vientiane, Laos.

 

The event was attended by Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, Laos's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, along with South Korea's Ambassador to Laos, Jung Yung Soo, and KOICA's Country Director in Laos, Kim Myung Jin.

 

During the ceremony, the Record of Discussions was signed by Kim Myung Jin and the Directors General of the Departments of Agricultural Land Management and Livestock and Fisheries. The agreement confirmed the scope and implementation methods for the two initiatives, which aim to advance agriculture and livestock management in Laos.

 

The first project, titled “Digital Agri-Land Information Development to Strengthen Food Security in Laos,” will run for five years starting in 2024, with a budget of US$3.7 million. The project seeks to establish a digital land information system to enhance agricultural productivity and support effective food security policies. By integrating modern technologies and data-driven approaches, the initiative aims to boost the efficiency and competitiveness of Laos's agricultural sector.

 

The second project, “Improvement of Livestock Product Safety Management System in Laos,” will span from 2023 to 2028, with a budget of US$4.4 million. It focuses on enhancing the safety management system for livestock products to improve public health and the quality of these goods. This project is also expected to increase the international competitiveness of Lao livestock products, strengthening the country's position in both domestic and global markets.

 

Ambassador Jung Yung Soo underscored Korea's role as a key partner in Laos's development across various sectors and expressed optimism that the projects would significantly contribute to the advancement of agriculture in Laos.

 

Dr Linkham Douangsavanh expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between the two nations and described KOICA's initiatives as a crucial milestone for the development of Laos's agricultural and livestock sectors.

 

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Dr Kaviphone Phoutthavong, Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, and Dr Nivong Sipaseuth, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Land Management. Representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, Planning and Investment, and other stakeholders were also present.

 

-      Asia News Network