Philippines and Laos to boost agricultural trade, people-to-people exchange

The Philippines and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have vowed to boost ties in the agricultural sector, as well as to strengthen the people-to-people exchange between the two nations.

According to the Office of Press Secretary in a statement, this came after the Lao Ambassador to the Philippines Sonexay Vannaxay presented his credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pic) in Malacanang on Monday (Dec 5).

According to Marcos it is time for the two nations to explore a stronger bilateral relationship, especially with both being part of South-East Asia.

“Agriculture in the Philippines has become a very high priority for this government. And so if there is anything that we could collaborate and cooperate [on], it’s that,” he added.

Marcos noted his recent visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna, vowing to elevate the rice industry and push for sustainable rice value chains.

“We can start the agricultural exchanges in the exchange of technology, transfer of technology. And perhaps from there, we can do more,” Marcos told the ambassador.

He also noted the “great potential and a promising future” between the two countries in terms of trade.

The two also expressed assurance in harnessing the full potential of the two countries’ relations through people-to-people exchange.

“That is a good start. I think if there is exposure, especially to younger people, then it’s a way to introduce the Philippines also, so that will make our people-to-people exchange grow,” Marcos said.

Vannaxay, on the other hand, celebrated Manila and Laos Capital Vientiane’s “good relations in diplomatic and political affairs,” which have been maintained since its establishment six decades ago.

He then requested support from the Philippines for the health sector, namely for the education of nurses.

Agencies