The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the management of transboundary animal disease control in Lao PDR was signed by Mr. Xaypladeth Choulamany, Director-General of the Planning and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry and Mr. Zeng Huacheng, Deputy Director-General of the Executive Bureau of International Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce of Republic of China in the presence of relevant officials from both sides on 22 March 2015.

The proposed project aims to prevent and control the passage of animal diseases across borders and contribute to the development strategy for the production of foodstuff and food security in Lao PDR. Furthermore, it will facilitate the purchase of live animals and animal products between Lao PDR and Republic of China. It will also strengthen the link with ASEAN and international markets as well as boosting solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.

The project is worth US$6 million (over 48 billion kip). This funding will be used to build the national animal epidemic disease monitoring laboratory in Vientiane, Luang Namtha and Phongsaly provinces. Some of the grant will be used to provide the necessary apparatus and sewage treatment systems for labs and monitoring stations, to set up an animal epidemic disease information system, and to provide training for Lao staff.

Within two years of the project’s life, the Chinese side will provide technical support for laboratory management, epidemic surveillance and animal disease control, and appropriate quantities of vaccine and disease detection reagents. This project is planned to officially launch by October 31, 2016. During the construction period, the Lao side will select and dispatch a team of management and maintenance staff to receive technical guidance and training from the Chinese construction contractor to ensure that Lao staff are familiar with the operation of lab equipment and the use of vaccines and disease diagnostic reagents.

Source: Vientiane Times

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