Lao and Korean officials and project partners come together for the handing over of demonstration farm at the Lao-Korea Agricultural Techniques and Rural Development Service Centre in Vientiane.

Korea-Laos Rural Development Cooperation Project concludes with closing ceremony

The Korea-Laos Rural Development Cooperation Project worth US$12.5 million has successfully concluded, leaving a strong legacy of improved rural livelihoods and strengthened agricultural services in northern and central Laos.
The closing ceremony of the project, formally titled “Establishment of Action Plan for Rural Development and Income Generation in Northern and Central Region in Laos (2021–2025)”, was held at the Lao-Korea Agricultural Techniques and Rural Development Service Centre in Vientiane on September 16.
The event was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Saynakhone Inthavong, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Jung Yung Soo, and attended by more than 100 stakeholders from government bodies, development agencies and local communities.
During the ceremony, four newly established or upgraded agricultural extension centres were officially handed over, including the Lao-Korea Agricultural

Lao and Korean government officials and stakeholders gather for a group photo at the closing ceremony of the project in Vientiane.

Techniques and Rural Development Service Centre and three provincial centres in Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Xiengkhouang.
Jointly implemented by the Department of Rural Development and Poverty Reduction under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Korea Development Strategy Institute, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the project focused on enhancing the quality of life across 14 villages through a village-led rural development model.
Key achievements include the transformation of the Lao-Korea Agricultural Techniques and Rural Development Service Centre into a modern national training hub with upgraded demonstration farms, new facilities such as greenhouses and mushroom cultivation units, and more than 100 specialised training programmes. Staff capacity was strengthened through targeted workshops.

In addition, three provincial agricultural extension centres were established to provide infrastructure support, seed distribution and livestock services, while 123 community projects were implemented across 14 villages. These ranged from inner road and water supply construction to education, health and agricultural production initiatives, benefitting tens of thousands of people.
More than 3,500 government officials and villagers received practical training in agriculture and rural development, both domestically and abroad, ensuring that the knowledge gained will continue to support future rural progress.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Dr Saynakhone Inthavong said the project represented a starting point for a new model of rural innovation in Laos, empowering communities to create sustainable livelihoods and resilient rural societies.
Ambassador Mr Jung Yung Soo reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to inclusive development, and noted that rural communities have the potential to drive change. He expressed pride in Korea’s partnership with Laos on this important journey.
The project’s outcomes and best practices are expected to provide a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural growth and greater resilience in rural areas of Laos in the years ahead.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update September 18, 2025)