Category: Business

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the forum was jointly chaired by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Lao PDR and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to Lao News Agency, the first day featured a high-level policy forum and a business matching session, generating more than 51 business consultations between 12 Korean companies and over 25 Lao partners. Several cooperation agreements and follow-up discussions valued at approximately USD 14 million were initiated.

On the second day, participants travelled to Vientiane Province for a seminar co-chaired by the provincial government, focusing on local agricultural development priorities, investment opportunities, and cooperation between provincial authorities and Korean businesses. The programme also included visits
to local farms.

Speakers highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperation, smart agriculture technologies, innovation, and public-private partnerships in supporting agricultural development in Laos. Discussions also focused on opportunities for Lao chilli exports to the Korean market and measures to improve production standards, traceability systems, and supply chain efficiency.

The forum further examined how infrastructure developments, including the Lao-Vietnam Railway, logistics parks, dry ports, and regional transport corridors, could strengthen agricultural trade and investment by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.

The business matching session facilitated discussions between Korean companies specialising in smart farming technologies, agricultural equipment, and monitoring systems, and Lao agribusiness partners. The event also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and Korean company Whybiz on AI-driven liv
estock and agricultural transformation.

A key outcome of the forum was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. One agreement between Yesodam Co., Ltd. and Twelve Integrated Agricultural Development and Lao Product Company supports a pilot project to export Lao-grown chilli peppers and lettuce to Korea. Another agreement between Phytoresearch Co., Ltd. and WBTS Trading Sole Co., Ltd. focuses on cooperation in tissue culture technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jungwe Park, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, reaffirmed KOTRA’s commitment to supporting long-term partnerships between Korean and Lao stakeholders.

The 2nd K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, development partners, and private-sector representatives, while promoting cooperation in agriculture, trade, and sustainable economic growth between Korea and Laos.

Vientiane: A major new partnership between Banque Franco-Lao Ltd. (BFL Bred Group) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) is set to strengthen financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Lao PDR, opening new opportunities for businesses that are vital to the country’s economic future.

According to Lao News Agency, SMEs form the foundation of the Lao economy, making up 99 percent of all registered businesses and providing 94 percent of formal employment nationwide. Despite their importance, many entrepreneurs continue to face difficulties accessing formal financing, limiting their ability to expand operations, create jobs, and invest in innovation. Currently, only 27 percent of SMEs in Laos are able to obtain bank credit.

To help address this challenge, BFL and IFC have launched a new Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) aimed at increasing lending to SMEs while reducing financial risks for the banking sector. Under the agreement, both parties will contribute up to US$5 million eac
h to support a US$10 million SME loan portfolio.

The facility is expected to enable BFL to extend financing to promising businesses that may otherwise struggle to secure loans, particularly in a volatile economic environment. The initiative also seeks to encourage sustainable business growth and support wider economic resilience in Laos.

Deputy Managing Director of BFL Bred Group, Nicolas Pluchart, said expanding SME financing remains one of the bank’s key strategic priorities. He noted that innovative financial tools such as the risk-sharing facility would strengthen the bank’s ability to safely provide capital to entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to economic activity, employment creation, and inclusive development across the country.

Beyond financial support, IFC will also provide technical assistance to help BFL strengthen its environmental and social risk management systems, while supporting the development of SME-focused banking services for new market segments. Through the partnership, BFL p
lans to double its SME lending portfolio by 2028, helping businesses across multiple sectors expand and generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities.

IFC Country Manager for Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Thomas Jacobs, said the development of a resilient private sector requires stronger financial support systems for smaller businesses. He described the partnership as an example of how innovative de-risking mechanisms can empower underserved enterprises, strengthen market resilience, and promote sustainable employment growth throughout Laos.

The initiative is being implemented under IFC’s Small Loan Guarantee Program, supported by a pooled first-loss guarantee from the International Development Association Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility. The structure is designed to encourage greater financing for SMEs in fragile and low-income markets. The partnership highlights the shared commitment of BFL and IFC to supporting Lao businesses and advancing sustainable and inclusive economic
growth in the Lao PDR.