Vientiane, Lao PDR – On 24 January 2023, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continues to support strengthening the Agriculture and Rural Development Sector of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Three new projects agreements were signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and FAO.
During the ceremony three projects on Strengthening Capacity for Planning and Development of Tea Master Plan; Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors; and Technical Assistance for the Development of National Action Plan for Sustainable Food System.
His Excellency Dr. Phet Phomphiphack, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, while speaking on the occasion emphasised that food insecurity is one of the global concerns that need to be handled strategically and Lao PDR needs to take the same approach. This requires support from all relevant stakeholders, namely those from the government, academic and private sectors. In this regard, the minister, expressed his appreciation of the long-standing support and contribution made by FAO to the agricultural sector. This support is helping to ensure the people in the country have sufficient and nutritious food to survive as well as to generate means to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.
Mr. Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative to Lao PDR, noted that “FAO is always honoured to support the development of the Lao PDR through its agricultural sector”. He stressed that “the tea sector has remained underdeveloped largely due to fragmented information and lack of investment in key areas of the tea value chains, lack of long-term overcome, Lao tea growers will enjoy higher benefits”.
the FAO Representative also highlighted that “FAO aims to bring sustainable biodiversity-friendly practices to scale by integrating biodiversity in decision-making across policies, projects, economies and throughout society. Through biodiversity mainstreaming, agrifood systems have the potential to make a significant contribution to biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and restoration, and to the 2030 Agenda as a whole”. In addition, “with the effort to establish a national process and coordination mechanism as a follow up from the Food System National Dialogue, FAO also aims to help build capacities of MAF and other government ministries required to focus on priorities and implement key recommendations identified in the Synthesis Report 2021 (Pathways to Sustainable Food Systems)”, he added. He reiterated FAO’s commitment of supporting Lao PDR in achieving better production, better environment, better nutrition, and better life while leaving no one behind.
The event was attended by Director Generals and Deputy Director Generals and other colleagues from Department of Irrigation, Department of Forestry, Department of Forest Inspection, Department of Rural Development, and others. Other FAO colleagues and development partners were also present.
