(KPL) An annual meeting on Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development was held on January 30 in Vientiane, presided over by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Linkham Duangsavanh. The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers and officials from across the country.

During the meeting, Mr. Linkham reviewed the implementation of the 2024 work plan, outlined the strategic direction for 2025, and discussed the five-year development plan for 2026-2030. The agenda also included discussions on proposals, projects, legal policies, and the assignment of the 2025 work plan to provincial authorities, who will oversee its implementation in accordance with national regulations.

Over the past five years, the agriculture sector has focused on key areas such as food security, agricultural production, forest resource management, and rural development aimed at poverty reduction. Significant progress has been made in food production, including rice, meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables. The export of agricultural and forestry products has also expanded, with export values reaching USD 1.1 billion in 2021 and increasing to USD 1.466 billion in 2024. Additionally, crops and livestock have been exported overseas, meeting high international standards. Livestock products have also been successfully traded through border checkpoints.

Minister Linkham emphasized the need for continued collaboration among agricultural and forestry stakeholders, as well as rural development sectors, to strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance regional forestry management, and ensure balanced production and exports among provinces to reduce reliance on international imports.

The meeting also addressed existing challenges, discussed solutions, and set key references for formulating the 2025 plan and the long-term 2026-2030 development strategy.

KPL