FAO Representative to Lao PDR, Ms. Kyung Mee-Kim—Photo by FAO

(KPL) Agriculture is the foundation of the Lao economy, providing livelihoods to around 62 of the population and contributing more than 20% of total national GDP. It is vital for food security, poverty reduction and social stability, especially in rural areas. To contribute to the nation's economic recovery and long-term resilience, the Government of the Lao PDR is focusing on transforming agriculture into a commercial sector and tries attracting domestic and foreign investment.

The Lao Agri Food Expo 2024 aims to serve as a platform to accelerate this shift and addresses the key issues of climate resilience, market access and sustainable farming.

To promote sustainable growth, there is a need for greater innovation, community-driven solutions, knowledge sharing and collaboration among those working in the agriculture sector. For this growth to be just and equitable, we must continue to focus on empowering all farmers to adapt to changing conditions and ensure that no one is left behind in efforts to eradicate poverty. We must prioritize the participation of small-scale producers, women and youth and promote access to resources and tools for them to succeed in agriculture and agribusiness.

The first of its kind in the Lao PDR, the Lao Agri Food Expo 2024 opens possibilities for growth, innovation and collaboration for all involved in the agriculture sector – farmers, agribusinesses, investors, researchers and policymakers. The event provides opportunities to showcase the latest innovations in agriculture, foster new business partnerships and create awareness about the critical role that agriculture plays in achieving food security and economic development.

At the margins of the Expo, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will hold the National Forum on the One Country One Product (OCOP) and Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative, the prominent FAO flagship policy initiatives.

The goal of OCOP, the forest tea for the Lao PDR, is to facilitate the development of sustainable and inclusive value chains of forest tea, especially for family farming and smallholder farmers. The high quality and totally natural teas can command premium prices internationally and has real potential to contribute to the country’s green and sustainable economic goals.

The HIH initiative focuses primarily on agriculture and commodity value chain development. FAO has conducted ten in-depth investment case analysis on rice mill, cassava starch, chili pepper, sesame, coffee, tea, durian, cattle, feed fingering, and feed. Results of the studies will be shared, discussed, and explored the sustainable solutions to support and promote the sustainable Lao agricultural commercialization.

The diversity and contribution of agriculture in the Lao PDR will be celebrated with a grand parade as well as competitions, contests and awards. Exhibitions from both local and international exhibitors will provide visitors with hands-on experiences with the latest agricultural products, innovations and technologies. High-level seminars and workshops will bring experts, policymakers, industry leaders and practitioners together to discuss challenges and explore innovative solutions for the future of agriculture in the country.

The Lao Agri Food Expo 2024 promises to be a transformative event for the agricultural sector in the Lao PDR and a step forward in building a more resilient, productive and inclusive agriculture sector. We must then build on these efforts to contribute to the long-term development of the agricultural landscape in the Lao PDR and to meet the needs of the country in the years to come. We must remain committed to eradicating poverty and achieving food security for all.

KPL