(KPL) The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is advancing its commitment to food safety with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through a high-level advocacy meeting and technical workshop on Codex held in Vientiane from May 20 to 22, 2025.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Department, the three-day workshop aims to build national capacity, promote awareness among senior decision-makers, and align Lao food safety standards with internationally recognized Codex guidelines. Participants include policymakers, technical experts, and representatives from both the public and private sectors spanning agriculture, health, trade, industry, and academia.

Dr. Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Deputy Minister of Health, underscored the importance of Codex in ensuring food safety and supporting sustainable development in Laos. “This is an excellent opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the FAO for their continuous support,” she said. “Their assistance has been vital in building the capacity of Codex members in Lao PDR. We believe this workshop will raise awareness among high-level officials who can prioritize Codex work and strengthen Laos' role in global food safety discussions.”

Codex standards, developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, are internationally recognized benchmarks for food safety and quality. These standards serve as reference points in trade agreements and dispute resolution under the World Trade Organization (WTO), making them essential for countries looking to expand global market access while protecting consumer health.

Kyung-mee Kim, FAO Representative to the Lao PDR, praised the multi-sectoral participation at the event. “We are honored to be joined by high-level decision-makers and technical officers from agriculture, health, industry, trade, academia, and the private sector,” she said. “This demonstrates a strong, shared commitment to protecting consumer health and promoting fair practices in the food trade.”

Throughout the workshop, attendees are engaging in discussions on the role of Codex in international trade, the current progress and challenges Laos faces in Codex participation, and strategies to enhance coordination among national stakeholders.

The event marks a significant step toward strengthening Laos’ food safety systems and its ability to actively participate in global Codex standard-setting processes.

KPL