The APTERR Secretariat together with representatives from the Republic of Korea (ROK) were invited to attend the ceremonial handover and distribution of Korea's 500-MT rice to assist people affected by severe floods triggered by tropical storm Podul and tropical depression Kajiki.
The event was hosted by the Government of Lao PDR on 13 November 2019 at the Office of Labor and Social Welfare in Salavan province.
Mr. Savanh Hanephom, Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning and Finance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR and the APTERR Council member warmly welcomed Mr.Chanipithya Shimphalee, General Manager of the APTERR Secretariat, Mr. Park Heung Kweun, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the ROK in Lao PDR and their teams to the significant event. Also, there were representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Wefare of Lao PDR, local governments, the World Food Programme as well as other agencies witnessing the programme.
The Government of Lao PDR expressed their sincere gratitude to the Government of the ROK and Korean people for providing rice relief to those affected by disastrous calamities and showed a heartfelt appreciation to the APTERR Secretariat for continuous support to strengthen food security in Lao PDR.
Tropical storm Podul and tropical depression Kajiki widely hit Lao PDR causing more than hundred thousands of people affected. This 500-MT rice would be allocated to assist those suffering in five provinces; Champasak, Saravan, Savannakhet, Sekong and Khammouan.
