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The Star
09-06-2025
- 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
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
First mango shipment from Laos to China signals agricultural trade era
The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh (centre), leading a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 30 to mark the formal send-off of Laos' first mango shipment to China. - VT VIENTIANE: Ninety tonnes of fresh mangoes from Laos have been despatched to Chinese markets, which are anticipated to have a total demand for 1,500 tonnes of the fruit. The ceremony marking the inaugural shipment, held on May 30, was a milestone for Laos's agricultural sector. Laos celebrated the departure of its first shipment of fresh mangoes, equivalent to three truckloads, to China. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, senior economic and commercial counsellors from the Chinese Embassy in Laos, and officials and representatives from both countries. The historic export marked a significant step in strengthening agricultural cooperation between Laos and China. It followed the 2023 agreement by both governments allowing the export of fresh Lao mangoes to Chinese markets, a deal that opened the door to expanded trade and investment opportunities. Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Bounchan Kombounyasith, highlighted the importance of meeting stringent plant health and hygiene standards while preparing the shipment. 'We are prioritising the promotion of high-potential agricultural products that meet international market demands,' he said, adding that such efforts aim to reduce import reliance, conserve foreign currency, and encourage value-added processing for exports. Zhang Ziyong, who represented Henan Changjiu Agricultural Technology Co Ltd, shared insights on the scale of mango cultivation in Laos. 'Mango farming has seen rapid growth, with a total cultivated area of 2,248 hectares across Laos in 2023. This partnership not only benefits local farmers but also enhances regional trade integration,' he said. He said exports of mangoes from Laos are anticipated to grow to 1,500 tonnes in the years to come. To date, Laos and China have officially agreed on 35 plant health and quarantine protocols. Laos's agricultural production has been on an upward trend, touching 11.09 million tonnes in 2024, a 14 percent increase over the previous year. Major contributors to this growth include crops such as hard maize, sugarcane, cassava, bananas, watermelons and coffee. Commercial crop cultivation too has demonstrated impressive results, with an estimated output of 9.71 million tonnes, or 99 per cent of an ambitious 9.75 million tonne target for 2024, according to a report presented at the first Lao Agri Expo last year. The value of agriculture and forestry exports exceeded US$1,214 million in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing the approved target of US$1,200 million by one per cent. As the trucks rolled out, carrying the fruits of Lao soil towards new international markets, the moment underscored a broader vision: Laos is emerging as a key player in regional agritrade, leveraging its natural resources to strengthen economic ties and uplift rural livelihoods. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cassava exports from Laos surge as railway boosts trade efficiency
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Cassava exports from Laos have grown significantly in early 2025, thanks to increased shipments along the Laos-China Railway. In the first five months this year, the railway transported 5,750 containers of cassava (about 156,000 tonnes), marking a 43 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Laos-China Railway Company Limited. During the same period, the railway also carried 172,410 tons of Lao agricultural goods, a 40.18 percent increase from last year. This success came as the railway now follows a 'prioritizing approval and prioritizing transportation' policy, ensuring that goods like cassava are moved quickly, regardless of volume, making cassava the leading agricultural export being transported via the railway. Strong Demand, But Supply Still Falls Short Driven by strong market demand, many Lao farmers have shifted to cassava cultivation. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh mentioned during a March meeting in Pakse, Champassak Province, that cassava farming is expanding across the country. However, Laos is currently facing a production gap. The country's 22 tapioca factories can only process around 1 million tonnes of cassava annually – far short of the 3.7 million tonnes needed to meet domestic demand. In 2024, Laos produced about 7.4 million tonnes of cassava and exported over 2.4 million tonnes, earning more than USD 440 million. Major growing areas include Champasack, Vientiane, Xayaboury, Sekong, Salavan, and Bolikhamxay provinces. Cassava was Laos' top export in January 2024, bringing in US$94 million of the total US$561 million in exports. This rose slightly to US$95 million in February. Despite this growth, the country still faced a trade deficit of US$40 million in early 2024, largely due to reliance on imports, especially from Thailand. Railway Strengthens Trade Links with China Despite the challenges, the Laos-China Railway still serves as a crucial route for moving agricultural products quickly and efficiently. The railway also offers several advantages for exporters, such as lower costs, faster delivery, and easier access to key markets in China, including Kunming, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. In response to rising demand, the railway has improved scheduling, increased the number of daily train services, and streamlined customs clearance with both Lao and Chinese authorities. Since its launch in 2021 to March this year, the Laos-China Railway transported over 54 million tonnes of goods and carried more than 48.6 million passengers. It has also enabled time-sensitive exports, such as bananas and coffee beans, to reach international markets more efficiently. - Laotian Times
