Lao and Vietnamese officials sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a feasibility study of an aquaculture project in Khammuan province.

Fish farm planned at Nam Theun 2 reservoir

A planned integrated aquaculture project at the Nam Theun 2 reservoir in Khammuan province aims to strengthen fish production, modernise processing and create new export opportunities while generating sustainable income for local communities.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, represented by the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vietnam-Laos Agricultural Joint Stock Group (VILAFA CORP) to study the feasibility of setting up the project in Nakai district.
The project is designed to establish a comprehensive fisheries production chain, from fish breeding and fingerling production to commercial farming and hygienic processing.
The initiative aims to supply fish to domestic markets while developing the capacity to serve export markets.
Beyond its commercial objectives, the project aims to develop fisheries-based livelihoods and generate stable incomes for people in resettlement areas and villages surrounding the Nam Theun 2 reservoir.
It will also promote agriculture, forestry and environmental management linked to nature-based tourism.
VILAFA CORP has been involved in investing in and developing the project since 2023, with support from Nakai district authorities.
The signing of the MoU marks a step towards assessing the project’s feasibility and potential to strengthen Laos’ aquaculture sector, expand market access, and create export opportunities through an integrated production chain.
Laos currently has 52 state-owned fish hatcheries, 112 private fish hatcheries and 320 family-run hatcheries providing 224 million fish a year. The proposed project would considerably increase the quantity of fish produced.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 15, 2026)