Vietnam and Laos have agreed to continue boosting comprehensive cooperation between the two ministries of agriculture through exchanging delegations and jointly implementing programmes and projects.

The agreement was made at the talks in Vientiane on Sept. 28 between Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Vilayvan Phomkhe and visiting Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Bui Ba Bong, who is on a five-day visit to Laos until Sept. 30.

The two sides will develop the production of a number of cross bred maize, rice and cassava varieties, and poultry and cattle breeds; enhance cooperation in animal and plant quarantine; conduct joint research on sustainable forestry development and build a bilateral forestry cooperation agreement.

They will also update information on regulations on natural timber exploitation and timber exports, promote trade activities and agro-forestry and seafood exchange and facilitate Vietnamese businesses’ investment in tapping farms in Laos .

Vietnam will assist Laos to increase its capacity in investigation, monitoring and diagnosis of dangerous and contagious diseases. It will send experts to help Laos in agricultural production models and building agricultural extension stations in Laos.-VNA