(KPL) From February 28 to March 2, Australian Ambassador to Lao PDR, Ms. Megan Jones, visited Champassak Province to reinforce Australia's commitment to the province's development through various Australian funded programmes and investments.

Ambassador Jones joined senior Lao government officials, including Governor of Champassak Province Mr. Alounxai Sounnalath, to officially launch Costa’s Blueberry Farm in Paksong district, located on the Bolaven Plateau.

Costa Group is Australia's largest horticultural company and a key supplier to food retailers.

The new Costa investment is regarded as one of the largest berry cultivation investments in Laos. The new17-hectare farm is expected to grow over the next five years to 200 hectares of blueberry plantings.

Once complete, this project is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs for local residents, significantly contributing to the growth of the Lao economy with sustainable agricultural practice from Australia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the blueberry farm, Australian Ambassador Jones highlighted the importance of agriculture, which is central to Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. It represents the backbone of many livelihoods and is crucial for economic growth and development.

“This farm stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic prosperity in Laos,” Australian Ambassador Jones said.

Ambassador Jones also attended the MoU signing ceremony of the Intercountry Partnership for Ending AIDS and Tuberculosis between Champasak Provincial Health Department and Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAs Laos) in Champassak Province.

This is a trilateral collaboration between Australia, Laos, and Vietnam to end HIV/AIDS and TB in Laos and Vietnam through the Australia’s Partnership for a Healthy Region Initiative.

Australia is providing AUD 2.9 million funding to CCRD (Vietnam), CHIAS (Laos) and Lighthouse Social Enterprises (Vietnam) to support Laos and Vietnam in developing local solutions and building more inclusive health systems to end HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in 8 districts of Champassak Province and in Dien Bien Province, northern Vietnam.

Ambassador Jones said “Australia is honoured to stand alongside the Government of Laos in its mission to eliminate HIV/AIDS and TB. Through our partnership, we are supporting the Champassak Provincial Health Department to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis, and ensure faster access to treatment for those who need it most.”

Ambassador Jones was joined on her visit to Champassak by Ms Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, and Dr Buavanh Vilavong, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

KPL