VIENTIANE: The Lao National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and the Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences (VAFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a framework for long-term collaboration in forestry.
The agreement aims to expand cooperation in forestry research, technology transfer, and sustainable forest development.
Laos and Vietnam share a long history of cooperation in the forestry sector. The partnership has included knowledge-sharing on large-timber plantations and agroforestry systems, as well as joint capacity-building programmes for researchers, local communities, and small forest owners.
These initiatives have focused on modern silvicultural practices and forest carbon monitoring.
The agreement was signed in Hanoi on July 14 during an official visit to Vietnam by Lao Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms Khamphao Ernthavanh, senior officials from both countries, and representatives of the two research institutions.
The memorandum provides a framework for long-term collaboration in forest management and restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, forest carbon development, biotechnology, forest genetic resources, wood science and forest products, and the application of digital technologies in the forestry sector.
The two institutes also agreed to strengthen joint scientific research, promote technology transfer, and expand exchanges of researchers, technical experts, and postgraduate students to enhance research capacity and innovation.
A NAFRI representative expressed appreciation for VAFS’s longstanding support for forestry development in Laos, particularly assistance in developing the country’s national forest certification system in line with the international Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification standards.
The cooperation is also expected to support NAFRI’s development as Laos prepares to establish the Lao National Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Representatives of both institutes reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the memorandum through practical programmes and joint research initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for both countries while contributing to sustainable forestry development and strengthening the longstanding friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
Established under Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences is one of the country’s leading forestry research institutions.
It conducts scientific research and postgraduate training to support sustainable forest management and the development of forest-based industries.
The new partnership is expected to deepen scientific collaboration between the two neighbouring countries at a time when sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience are becoming increasingly important across the Mekong region. - Vientiane Times/ANN
