Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited the agricultural products booth at the Lao Agri Expo in Vientiane-- Photo by Vientianetimes

(KPL) The Lao Agricultural Expo 2024 was officially launched on Dec 16, at the Lao-ITECC in Vientiane. The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Laos and the Lao Agriculture Business Association, will run from Dece 16-20.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and Ms Kyung Mee-Kim, FAO Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations , and senior officials from national and local ministries. Ambassadors, development partners, agricultural producers, and other stakeholders also participated in the event.

In his opening speech, Minister Linkham Douangsavanh emphasized the expo's role as a significant opportunity to advance agricultural production in Laos. By bringing together agricultural entrepreneurs, investors, and farmers from both local and international sectors, the event aims to stimulate development, promote industrialization, and ensure sustainability in the agricultural sector.

The expo serves as a vital platform to display agricultural products, machinery, modern tools, and innovative technologies, showcasing advancements in sustainable farming practices. It encourages knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and highlights key issues such as food security, nutrition, and climate change adaptation. Additionally, it fosters partnerships between government agencies, private sectors, international organizations, NGOs, and social organizations.

With 303 exhibition booths, the event highlights the potential of Lao agriculture to meet domestic and international demands.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone officially opened the expo by participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and striking the traditional gong nine times, followed by a tour of the exhibition showcasing agricultural innovations and products.

The Lao Agricultural Expo 2024 is set to pave the way for strengthening the country's agricultural sector and building a sustainable future for Lao farmers and producers.

KPL