Executives of MAF, Laos PDR and ICA-AP in the meeting with H.E. Dr. Phoung  Parisak  Pravongviengkham, Vice Minister Lao PDR.

Mr. Balu Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP met H.E. Dr. Phoung  Parisak  Pravongviengkham ,Vice Minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR on 13 Novemebr 2014 in his office. Mr. Iyer briefed the Minister about the 3 days Conference organised by ICA-AP and the long time engagement with  Lao PDR in building up the co-operative system in the country. Mr. Iyer also recalled participation of the Minister in 9th Co-operative Ministers’ Conference-2012 and his commitment to promote co-operative intervention in achieving long term food security, preventing deforestation and mitigation of climate change.

 Regional Director, ICA-AP facilitating the Minister

Mr. Iyer suggested that MAF should become member of ICA and join the world alliance for better resources andcollaboration on building up national co-operative systems.Honourable Minister agreed to the suggestions and talked about various problems MAF is facing in convincing farmers to join co-operatives.He said that the Government was working on establishing legal framework and related systems for the future.Senior MAF officials, Mr. Chanthaneth SIMHANO, Deputy Director General and Mr. Kham Ouane Khamphoukeo (Head of Production Group Promotion, Cooperative and Agribusiness Division) and Mrs. Savitri Singh, Adviser-ICA Asia and Pacific also joined this high-level meet.