Mr. Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative to Lao PDR paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr. Souphan KEOMIXAY, Minister for Planning and Investment on 28^th February 2019.

His Excellency the Minister shared the vision of the Government of Lao PDR on developing agriculture sector in the country. He said that the government aims at improving the lives and livelihoods of small farmers in the rural areas and the modernize the agriculture sector to be responsive to the market demands. He said the sector faces challenges in the areas of modernization and diversification. He lauded the support that FAO has been providing over the last many years. He urged increased participation of farmers and local authorities in implementation of projects for long sustainable results.

Mr. Nasar Hayat briefed the Minister on the recently completed and ongoing initiatives of FAO and their linkages with the National Socio-Economic Development Plan. He also informed the forthcoming projects in the pipeline on developing agriculture sector in the country.

The Minister advised the FAO Representative to remain in close contact with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and conduct a joint review of the FAO activities annually.