Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao–Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven livestock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

KPL