Vientiane: The two-day event, organized by the Department of Agricultural Promotion and Cooperatives under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, aims to connect community products with modern markets and promote cooperative development across the country.
According to Lao News Agency, officials speaking at the opening ceremony emphasized the critical role cooperatives have played in Laos' agricultural development and rural economy. They noted that cooperative development has gained renewed momentum following the adoption of the Law on Cooperatives in 2024.
Laos currently has 3,705 producer groups and 114 cooperatives operating nationwide. Agricultural and forestry cooperatives account for the largest share, followed by credit and savings, service, trading, and handicraft cooperatives.
Authorities mentioned that efforts will continue to strengthen producer groups, establish up to 100 additional agricultural cooperatives, and promote the use of science, technology, and innovation in agricultural production.
The event also featured policy discussions on cooperative development, access to finance, business networking opportunities for rice and coffee producers, and recognition awards for outstanding cooperatives in 2025.