VIENTIANE: Laos' Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners, has officially launched a project to promote sustainable agri-food systems, expand access to finance, and strengthen agricultural enterprises.
The launch ceremony was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Tuesday (Aug 11), Lao Economic Daily reported on Wednesday (Aug 12).
To be implemented through December 2030, the project aims to expand access to finance, strengthen agricultural enterprises and value chains, improve food and nutrition security, and help Lao agricultural products reach export markets while building resilience to climate change.
The project will provide financial, technical and nutrition-related services to smallholder farmers to strengthen their livelihoods.
In cooperation with the World Food Programme, nutrition activities will be carried out in 105 villages within the project's target areas.
The project will also strengthen the value chains of high-potential agricultural commodities by providing practical technical support on climate-resilient production, food safety certification and access to export markets.
These efforts are expected to help farmers and agricultural enterprises improve productivity, quality and competitiveness.
The project will further invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, including the construction and improvement of small-scale irrigation systems and connecting roads in Champasak, Salavan, Sekong, Huaphan, Phongsaly and Xayaboury provinces.
In addition, the project will support the accreditation and upgrading of food safety laboratories by providing standardised equipment and technical capacity building.
This will strengthen the ability of Lao laboratories to meet international standards and issue internationally recognised certificates for processed agricultural products destined for export.
Through these efforts, the project is expected to expand access to finance and technical services, strengthen agricultural enterprises, improve food safety and quality, and contribute to a more competitive, sustainable and climate-resilient agri-food sector in Laos. - Xinhua
