KOICA holds groundbreaking for southern agriculture training centre

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Southern Agriculture Technical Training Centre was held on February 26, in Pakxong district, Champassak province, as part of KOICA’s “Integrated Rural Development Project in three provinces of southern Laos”.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of KOICA Laos, Ms Yeo-jin Kim, Deputy Director General of the Department of Rural Development, Ms Veomany Thebphavoung, and Director General of the Lao-Korea Rural Development Training Centre, Mr Vongsavanh Vongkaisone.

Lao officials and representatives of KOICA attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Southern Agriculture Technical Training Centre.

Representatives from relevant organisations in Korea and Laos also travelled to the event from Vientiane to wish for the safe and successful completion of the training centre.
Ms Yeo-jin Kim said “The Southern Agriculture Technical Training Centre will serve as a hub for education, research, and various capacity-building programmes, marking a pivotal milestone in advancing rural development and fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.”
KOICA will continue to support rural development on behalf of the Korean government, she said, and reiterated that close cooperation with the Lao government and local communities is key to the success of the project.
Ms Veomany said “Through the centre, villagers will be able to learn about  agricultural technology, crop cultivation, and marketing, which will help to boost their income and improve their quality of life.”
She expressed her deep gratitude for KOICA’s contribution and support to the capacity building of farmers in southern Laos, and hoped that the cooperation to support rural development would continue in the future.
Since 2020, KOICA has provided a total of US$9 million to improve the livelihoods of people in Champassak, Xekong and Saravan provinces by increasing their incomes and improving their living conditions.
The Southern Agriculture Technical Training Centre will be integrated as a branch of the Lao-Korea Rural Development Training Centre and will provide training in agricultural technologies suitable for the southern region and Korea’s Saemaul model.
The training centre will be a single-story building with a total floor area of approximately 700 square metres, including lecture rooms, administrative offices, and a cafeteria. It is expected to be completed by November this year.

By Siladda Suliyong
 (Latest Update February 28, 2025)