Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager of the APTERR Secretariat, led a team of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan and the APTERR Secretariat to visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) of Lao PDR on 11 March 2025 in Vientiane. The visit aimed to enhance understanding of Tier 1 and explore a potential Tier 1 cooperation between Lao PDR and Japan to strengthen food security in the country.
Dr. Soulaphone Inthavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation, MAF Lao PDR and the APTERR Council member, presided over the meeting and welcomed participants from MAFF Japan, the APTERR Secretariat and relevant ministries in Lao PDR.
The meeting proved to be highly productive, with valuable insights exchanged. Mr. Kenji Okuhira, Director of the Grain Quality Assurance Office, Grain Trade and Operation Division, MAFF Japan, reiterated the significance of Tier 1 in expanding rice supply options and mitigating food security risks, particularly in times of emergencies. Lao PDR will further consider the Tier 1 programme and provide an update to the APTERR Secretariat regarding its potential implementation.
Representatives from the MAF Lao PDR present at the meeting included Mr. Alounxay Onta, Director of International Cooperation Division; Mr.Sakpasit Manibod and Mr. Phomma Souliyasith, MAF officials. In addition, Mr. Phosavanh Thammavongxay, Deputy Head of Division, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and Ms. Somsanouk Ounnalath, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended. The representatives from MAFF Japan included Mr. Toshiki Tojo, Deputy Director of Grain Trade and Operation Division and Mr. Aro Kasakawa, Section Chief of Grain Trade and Operation Division while Mr. Akinori Ando, Japanese Expert; Ms. Jansinee Kankaew, Head of Implementation; and Ms. Sita Kumpol, Secretary to the Japanese Expert, from the APTERR Secretariat also attended.
