VIENTIANE, 6thMarch 2019 – The signing ceremony for the Exchange of Notes on Grant Aid Project for the recovery from the tragic damages last year was held today at the UN office, Vientiane Capital. The Notes were signed and exchanged by H.E. Mr. Takeshi HIKIHARA, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, and the Mr. Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative to Lao PDR. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Mr Phouangparisak Pravongviengkham, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, H.E. Dr Phouthone Muongpak, Vice Minister for Health, H.E. Ms. Baykham Khattiya, Vice Minister for Labour and Social Welfare and senior Government officials.

Laos saw continuous heavy rains between July and September last year and two tropical storms in July and August. An enormous damage occurred throughout the country.

The USD 882,000 project for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Agricultural Sector in Floods Affected Areas implemented by FAO will supportrecovery of agriculture systems and livelihoods in Khammouane and Savannakhet Provinces to improve food and nutrition security and resilient agriculture livelihoods based on the “build back better” principle and more resilience to disasters sustainably. The most vulnerable and flood affected households in Savannakhet will be firstly provided with the agricultural inputs to recover lost agriculture production, assets and livelihoods. At the same time, innovative approaches to build back better will be defined and provincial implementation plans developed in Khammouane and Savannakhet. The project will support 4000 vulnerable and flood affected households with agriculture inputs including both crop and aquaculture inputs.