Vientiane Capital: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, accompanied by a joint Lao-Thai delegation, inaugurated the new training conference room at the Houay Son-Houay Sua Agricultural Development and Service Center in Naxaythong District, Vientiane Capital.

According to Lao News Agency, during the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh highlighted the center’s achievements over the past year. Established in 1994 as a flagship collaboration between Laos and Thailand, the 52-hectare center honors the legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane, symbolizing enduring bilateral friendship and agricultural cooperation. Managed by Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the project focuses on knowledge-sharing, livelihood improvement, and sustainable farming practices.

Key accomplishments of the center include the construction of a multipurpose seminar building for training farmers, students, and agricultural professionals. The center has also expanded crop and livestock diversity, including fruit trees, industrial wood, poultry, cattle, and organic fertilizer production. Additionally, irrigation support for 580 hectares of farmland has benefited local communities across two growing seasons. The center has spearheaded pilot initiatives in aquaculture, herbal product development, and flax cultivation.

Future priorities for the center include a planned dam and irrigation canal for six villages, aligned with earlier agreements between Lao and Thai leaders, aiming to enhance the center’s impact. Minister Douangsavanh emphasized transforming the center into a national model for agricultural education and innovation, fostering cross-border technical exchanges and scalable solutions. He stated that the center will remain a cornerstone of Lao-Thai cooperation, empowering farmers and entrepreneurs through cutting-edge techniques and sustainable practices.

The visit underscored the center’s role in advancing food security and rural development while reinforcing diplomatic ties between the neighboring nations.