KPL
The Laos–Korea Agro Fair 2025 was held in Vientiane from June 6–7 to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Republic of Korea, while also spotlighting key achievements in agricultural cooperation and rural development.
(KPL)The Laos–Korea Agro Fair 2025 was held in Vientiane from June 6–7 to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Republic of Korea, while also spotlighting key achievements in agricultural cooperation and rural development.
The two-day event served as a platform to strengthen collaboration in sustainable agriculture and rural income generation. It was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
Participants included Lao villagers, Korean NGOs, the Korea Programme on International Agriculture (KOPIA), the Saemaul Foundation, and agri-food businesses from both countries. Exhibitions focused on rural development, community empowerment, farmer income generation, and building business linkages between Lao and Korean enterprises.
KOICA presented results from its flagship initiative, Establishment of an Action Plan for Rural Income Generation in the Northern and Central Regions of the Lao PDR (2021–2025). Villagers from 14 participating communities showcased and sold locally grown and processed goods, highlighting the commercial potential of regional specialities and smallholder farming.
The project, implemented in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Korea Development Strategy Institute (KDS), supports community-led development across villages in Vientiane, Borikhamxay, and Xieng Khuang provinces.
KOTRA facilitated the import and customs clearance of Korean agri-food products, which were sold by Lao distributors at 11 booths. Local companies such as GUBI Co., Ltd. and NEXUS SOLE Co., Ltd. promoted Korean health supplements, beverages, and snacks while gathering feedback from Lao consumers.
A highlight of the fair was the Korea–Laos Food Pairing Idea Contest, in which the top three winners signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the 33 Tteokbokki franchise. Their Lao–Korean fusion dishes will be featured at the franchise’s new store set to open in July. The winners also gave live cooking demonstrations, which drew enthusiastic crowds.
To recognize outstanding engagement, KOTRA awarded First, Second, and Third Prizes to the top three booths among the 11 participants.
KOTRA noted that the fair significantly boosted the visibility of Korean agri-food brands in Laos and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting buyer-led operations and demand-driven export models for sustainable market expansion.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr. Yungsoo Jung; Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh; KOICA Country Director, Mr. Sungsoo Oh; KOTRA Vientiane Director, Mr. Jungwe Park; and the Deputy Governors of Xieng Khuang and Vientiane provinces.
Ambassador Jung remarked, “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 Linkham emphasized, “The Laos–Korea Agro Fair is a platform for farmers and institutions to exchange knowledge and innovations. It is also a meaningful occasion for our two peoples to showcase their strengths and reflect on three decades of close cooperation.”
KOICA Director Mr. Sungsoo Oh added, “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.”
Mr. Jungwe Park of KOTRA stated, “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 fair attracted more than 3,000 visitors and featured a diverse selection of agricultural and processed goods from both countries. It is seen as a milestone in advancing sustainable agriculture and expanding public–private partnerships in the agri-food sector.
KPL
