KPL
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) delegation, led by Mr. Dursun Ali Yaşacan, Head of East and South Asia, Pacific and Latin America Department, paid a working visit to Laos from 26–30 August 2025.
(KPL) The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) delegation, led by Mr. Dursun Ali Yaşacan, Head of East and South Asia, Pacific and Latin America Department, paid a working visit to Laos from 26–30 August 2025.
On 27 August, the delegation met with Mr. Chanthanet Boulapha, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI). Both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in agriculture and praised the growing partnership between Türkiye and Laos.
Following the meeting, a handover ceremony was held for the project “Developing the National Cold Storage Facility System for Disaster Resilience.” The event was attended by Deputy Minister Chanthanet Boulapha, Ambassador of Türkiye to Laos Ms. Oya Yazar, and Mr. Yaşacan.
Ambassador Yazar reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Laos’ agricultural development, food security, and sustainable growth, noting the alignment with the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, preparations for the 10th NSEDP, and Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026.
Deputy Minister Boulapha highlighted TİKA’s previous contributions, including the delivery of 30 tons of climate-resilient rice seed worth USD 33,000 to farmers affected by Typhoon Khanun in 2023, and the donation of a rice grader machine worth USD 20,000, which boosted seed production capacity by 300%. He also noted that TİKA’s renovation of a warehouse and installation of a cold storage system, valued at USD 120,000, reduced annual seed loss from 15 tons to 8 tons in 2025.
“This project not only strengthens rice seed quality and national food security, but also enhances Laos’ resilience to future natural disasters,” Deputy Minister Boulapha stressed.
Mr. Yaşacan underlined that TİKA remains committed to resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems, stating: “Today’s achievement is not only a technical milestone but also a symbol of solidarity and shared values. We believe this project will sow the seeds for many more fruitful collaborations.”
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