Viet Nam expands agricultural planning cooperation with Laos

On July 16, the National Institute of Agricultural Planning and Projection (NIAPP) held a working session with Lao Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh to review the outcomes of bilateral cooperation in agricultural planning and discuss directions for future projects.

At the meeting, Nguyen Quang Dung, Director General of the National Institute of Agricultural Planning and Projection, reported that the project "Agricultural Zoning in Xaysomboun Province, Lao PDR" had achieved several key milestones.

In 2024, Vietnamese experts worked closely with Laos' Department of Agricultural Land Management and Development to conduct field surveys and develop an agricultural zoning framework for the entire province of Xaysomboun. The project then identified and supported the implementation of production models suited to local conditions. Before being finalized, the draft plan underwent extensive public consultation in Xaysomboun Province and was submitted to the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) on June 18, 2025.

"Throughout 2025 and the first half of 2026, the project has continued to transfer technical know-how in rice cultivation, greenhouse vegetable production, citrus farming, industrial cassava cultivation, beef cattle production, and aquaculture. Nearly 300 Lao farming households have benefited from these activities, with the demonstration models delivering positive results and meeting or exceeding many of their planned targets. The project is scheduled for completion and handover to the Lao side by the end of 2026," he said.

Nguyen Quang Dung also noted that the institute is working with relevant Lao authorities to develop a proposal for the project "Agricultural Zoning in Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Attapeu provinces." In recent months, NIAPP has coordinated with the Departments of Agriculture and Environment in the three provinces to assess current agricultural conditions and identify development priorities, while maintaining regular consultations with Laos' Department of Planning and Cooperation on the project's implementation roadmap.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Linkham Douangsavanh expressed his appreciation for cooperation between the two sides and highlighted the positive outcomes of the agricultural zoning project in Xaysomboun Province.

"The technical expertise, dedicated efforts, and financial support provided by Viet Nam to Laos' agricultural sector are truly invaluable. This is more than technical cooperation - it is a vivid demonstration of the great friendship and shared commitment of our two nations to develop together," he said.

According to the Lao Minister of Agriculture and Environment, the agricultural zoning projects have directly helped local communities improve their awareness, adopt advanced farming techniques, and increase household incomes. He expressed his hope that both sides would continue to build on their long-standing partnership by using the successful experience in Xaysomboun Province as a model for developing detailed agricultural zoning plans in other provinces across Laos in the future.

Given the strategic importance of the national agricultural planning projects, Minister Linkham Douangsavanh called on the National Institute of Agricultural Planning and Projection and the International Cooperation Department to work closely with their Lao counterparts to regularly monitor implementation progress, promptly report developments, and address any challenges that arise.

In response, NIAPP Director General Nguyen Quang Dung reaffirmed the institute's commitment to working closely with Lao authorities to ensure the successful completion of the Xaysomboun project on schedule and to the highest standards, creating a model for replication in other provinces.

On the occasion, Minister Linkham Douangsavanh presented certificates of merit to the National Institute of Agricultural Planning and Projection and several individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to agricultural cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos.