23 July 2025 - National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) of the Lao People's Democratic Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU marks a significant milestone in strengthening academic and research collaboration in agriculture and the application of research for regional benefit.
The signing ceremony commenced by remarks from Assistant Professor Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director of National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), a member of NSTDA, and Dr. Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane, Director General of NAFRI. Also in attendance to extend congratulations was Mr. Toulakham Phomsengsavanh, Counsellor (Economic and Commercial) from the Embassy of the Lao PDR in Thailand.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong noted that NAFRI has long been a key partner of BIOTEC–NSTDA for over two decades, through personnel exchanges and international collaborative projects that have produced successful regional outcomes. One highlight is the Molecular Rice Breeding Program for the Mekong Region, initiated in 2004 by BIOTEC/NSTDA, Kasetsart University, and participated by NAFRI. This program aims to support the adoption of marker-assisted selection in rice breeding for Mekong region countries. The project has led to both researcher capacity building and the development of rice varieties that meet the specific needs of Lao PDR, such as Hom Tha Dok Kham1, Hom Xebangfai2 and 3 and Hom Xebangfai 4.
Over the past five years, collaboration has expanded beyond rice to cassava research and biodiversity, and the new 5-year MOU will build on this foundation while exploring other promising fields such as aquaculture and animal health.
Dr. Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane from NAFRI added that the collaboration between NAFRI and BIOTEC–NSTDA has resulted in the development of 10 glutinous rice and 4 non-glutinous rice varieties that are flood-tolerant and adapted to various environments. Beyond rice, this renewed cooperation will broaden into areas such as mushroom research, biodiversity, and animal vaccines.
Mr. Toulakham Phomsengsavanh from the Embassy of the Lao PDR in Thailand remarked that this MOU reflects the shared commitment to advancing agricultural science sustainably and will help strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
This MOU marks a strategic step in uniting scientific and technological capabilities to drive innovation and sustainable development in the agriculture sector of the region, contributing to long-term sustainable resource management.