Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS, President Shin Gi-deok) announced on the 18th that it has successfully concluded the "Project for Rural Development in Central-Northern Laos (2021-2025 / $12.5 million)," a grant aid initiative supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA, Chairman Chang Won-sam).

On the 16th, a completion ceremony was held at the Korea-Lao Rural Development Service Center (KLRDSC) to share the project’s achievements and future plans. The event was attended by approximately 100 stakeholders, including H.E. Jung Young-soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr. Xayakhone Inthavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, and representatives of local farmers.

The KLRDSC, originally established in 2018 as the Korea-Lao Rural Development Training Center under the first phase of the rural development project, was recently upgraded to the Korea-Lao Rural Development Service Center. This elevation follows the restructuring of Laos' administrative system, establishing the center as a pivotal institution for agricultural and rural development in the country.

During the ceremony, major project outcomes and best practices were shared, and various plans for the sustainability and scaling of these achievements were discussed. The event also featured the official handover ceremony for four agricultural research and service centers (LKARSC and three provincial agricultural technology centers) and pilot village support projects constructed or improved through this initiative.

The International Agricultural Development Division of Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) served as the implementing agency, working in close collaboration with the Department of Rural Development and People’s Participation of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as local provincial governments.

Targeting the improvement of rural extension services and the establishment of self-reliance foundations for 14 villages across three central-northern provinces (Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, and Xieng Khouang), the project was implemented across four main pillars: ▲ improving the operations of the KLRDSC; ▲ establishing agricultural technology centers; ▲ village development; and ▲ human resource development. Notably, the village development component applied a community-led model, emphasizing the active participation of local residents.

Through the operational improvement of the KLRDSC, the center has been elevated to a national hub for education and training. It has established itself as a central institution for practical rural and agricultural development through modernized curricula, demonstration farms, and the capacity building of professional personnel. Additionally, the establishment of the three provincial agricultural technology centers has laid the groundwork for providing customized agricultural technology services, including the improvement of educational infrastructure, the creation of new demonstration farms, and the distribution of advanced seedling and livestock technologies.

In the village development sector, a total of 123 sub-projects were implemented across 14 villages, including rural infrastructure improvement, agricultural value chain strengthening, and the creation of microfinance funds. Through human resource development, over 3,500 government officials and rural residents participated in domestic and international training programs and field-oriented education to acquire practical agricultural and rural development skills.

Vice Minister Xayakhone Inthavong expressed his gratitude, stating, "This project goes beyond merely building agricultural and rural infrastructure; it presents a model for rural development innovation in Laos. Thanks to the support from the Republic of Korea, our residents are now able to create sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities on their own."

Ambassador Jung Young-soo remarked, "This project is a testament to Korea's firm commitment to inclusive development. Rural communities possess the potential to become agents of change, and Korea will continue to walk that path alongside Laos."

Link : https://www.nbntv.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4009262