SEAN Consultation meeting on agricultural cooperatives held in Vientiane

(KPL) A senior officials from ASEAN member countries gathered here in
Vientiane yesterday to discuss and seek ways for their agricultural
co-operatives.

The meetings hosted by Laos from 24-28 June included 2nd ASEAN Co-operative
Business Forum (ACBF), the 15th ACEDAC (ASEAN Center for the Development of
Agricultural Co-operative) Board Meeting and 10th ASEAN Sectoral Working
Group on Agricultural Cooperative.

Ms. Inthanongsith Kommameuang, Director General of Planting Management
Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said that the presentation of
the Lao PDR will include its rice production, maize and coffee. Sesame,
peanut and non-chemical agricultural products will be also highlighted at
these meetings.

She added that almost of the ASEAN member countries are agricultural
co-operatives except the Lao PDR due to lacking of co-operative law.
Currently, the Lao PDR has productive groups, agricultural groups and the
co-operative association has ever-established in the past period and it now
will be re-established again.

The agricultural co-operatives serve an important supporting means in
enhancing the socio-economic livelihood for small and poor farmers in the countryside.