The People’s Republic of China (P.R. China), Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to enhancing food security in Lao PDR by providing 1,050 MT of rice to assist people affected by widespread floods and landslides, which have caused severe destruction and agricultural damage across the country.
Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager of the APTERR Secretariat, together with Mr. Aro KASAKAWA, Japanese Expert and the APTERR staff, attended the handover ceremony of 1,050 MT rice contributed by P.R. China (150 MT), Japan (150 MT) and the ROK (750 MT) on 16 September 2025 in Vientiane. This rice contribution will provide emergency relief to nearly 170,000 people in 12 provinces of Lao PDR affected by a series of cyclones, particularly Tropical Cyclone Wutip and Tropical Storm Wipha, which triggered heavy floods and landslides nationwide.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from the Government of Lao PDR, led by Mr. Phosay Sayasone, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare and Dr. Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment. Representatives from the Plus Three countries also joined the event, including Mr. Takuro TASAKA, Minister of the Embassy of Japan to Lao PDR, Mr. Lee Dong-Gyu, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the ROK and Mr. Li Xizhen, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of P.R. China. Likewise, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) led by Mr. Naoki Maegawa, Country Director Ad Interim, was present at this significant event.
Highlighting the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters threatening people’s livelihoods and food systems, Dr. Choomjet underscored the significance of collective cooperation and solidarity among countries to overcome these global challenges. He reaffirmed APTERR’s readiness to stand with Lao PDR to safeguarding food security as well as building greater resilience against the escalating challenges of climate changes. He also extended his wishes for speedy recovery and resilience of those affected, so they may soon return to normalcy.
The release of 1,050-MT rice was part of the 3,800-MT contribution from P.R. China (500 MT), Japan (300 MT) and the ROK (3,000 MT), which have been prepositioned in Lao PDR to ensure a rapid response to address future emergencies affected the country.
Photo credit: WFP and the APTERR Secretariat
