(KPL)  On July 10, 2025, The Lao PDR and the Republic of Korea have further strengthened their labor cooperation through a new agreement aimed at expanding the seasonal worker program, enabling more Lao workers to gain skills and employment in Korea’s agricultural sector.

On this occasion, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Mr. Phoxay Sayasone, warmly received Mr. Park Yong Chul, Mayor of Ganghwa, Incheon, during his official visit to Laos. The two sides praised the growing partnership and shared vision of providing practical opportunities for Lao workers abroad.

Minister Phoxay expressed his appreciation for the Korean government's support in offering skill-building employment opportunities for Lao citizens. He noted that working in Korea’s advanced agricultural sector allows Lao workers to improve their livelihoods, acquire valuable knowledge and modern techniques, and contribute to Laos’s long-term development particularly in enhancing domestic agricultural production and exports.

During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed between Ms. Anusone Khamsingsavat, Director of the Department of Employment, and Mr. Park Yong Chul, Mayor of Ganghwa, in the presence of officials from both countries. The agreement formalizes cooperation to send seasonal Lao workers to Ganghwa, where Korean farms are in high demand of labor.

Since the program began in May 2022, Laos has signed MoUs in two provinces and 80 districts, successfully sending over 11,000 seasonal workers—including more than 5,000 women to the Republic of Korea. Ganghwa, in particular, has expressed strong interest in receiving more Lao workers to support its agricultural industry.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to improving the program by jointly addressing challenges, especially the prevention of labor desertion. The initiative represents a win-win strategy: Lao workers gain income and experience, while Korean farmers benefit from a reliable workforce.

This cooperation stands as a model of pragmatic partnership, promoting skills development, economic mobility, and cross-border collaboration between the Lao PDR and the Republic of Korea.

KPL