Vientiane: The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has officially launched its National Action Plan on Transition toward Sustainable Food Systems Transformation (2025-2030).
According to Lao News Agency, the plan was unveiled in Vientiane and sets out 20 strategic action areas and 62 priority milestones aimed at advancing inclusive, resilient, and nature-positive food systems as the country progresses toward graduation from Least Developed Country status. The roadmap addresses the interconnected ‘5F crisis’-food, feed, fuel, fertilizer, and finance-that has impacted rural livelihoods and constrained national development in recent years.
The Minister of Agriculture and Environment described the plan as a fundamental shift in approach. The Minister stated that the National Action Plan represents a paradi
gm shift by viewing food systems as the backbone of national development, linking various sectors such as production, nutrition, health, environmental protection, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. The recent merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment marks a historic institutional reform for integrated planning and management of agriculture, forestry, land, water, biodiversity, and climate change.
Implementation of the plan is supported by substantial multi-partner investment. A USD 4.5 million UN Joint Programme, backed by the Joint SDG Fund and contributions from seven UN agencies, is being implemented in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces. This initiative is complemented by USD 33 million in co-financing from ADB, aligned with its broader agrifood systems and resilient rural infrastructure portfolio. Together, these investments aim to promote green agricultural innovation, improve nutrition for women and youth, and enhance t
he regional competitiveness of high-quality Lao products, including Khao Kai Noi rice and Bolaven coffee.
During the launch event, several key frameworks were also introduced to guide implementation. These include the Operational Approach to Food System Transformation, a Private Sector Agribusiness Financing framework, and the Convergence Action Blueprint (2025-2035), developed through the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub Convergence Initiative. The blueprint positions Lao PDR as a pioneer country with a nationally owned roadmap that aligns food systems transformation with climate action across government institutions, development partners, and the private sector.