Lao PDR and Viet Nam Strengthen Forestry Cooperation

On the occasion of accompanying the high-level delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR to attend the Annual Bilateral Meeting between the two Ministries of Lao PDR and Viet Nam, an official meeting was held on 16 July 2026 in Hanoi between the Department of Forestry and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Inspection of the Lao PDR and the Viet Nam Forestry Administration.

The Lao delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Head of the Department of Forestry, together with Dr. Siphaphay Xaysongkham, Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Inspection, and technical representatives responsible for wildlife and CITES, timber trade and non-timber forest products, planning and cooperation.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Mr. Tran Quang Bao, Director General of the Viet Nam Forestry Administration, accompanied by Mr. Pham Hong Luong, Deputy Director General, and representatives from relevant technical divisions, the Viet Nam CITES Management Authority, and the Viet Nam Forest Protection and Development Fund.

The meeting marked an important step in further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Lao PDR and Viet Nam, particularly in forestry, wildlife conservation, biodiversity, timber trade and sustainable green development.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed and assessed the implementation of the Forestry Memorandum of Understanding for 2024–2028 and the Bilateral Forestry Cooperation Programme for 2026–2030. They highly valued the achievements made in sustainable forest management, forest protection, wildlife conservation, law enforcement, human resource development and cooperation among border provinces.

Both sides held extensive discussions on strengthening cooperation in CITES implementation, management of captive wildlife facilities, development of traceability systems for timber and wildlife products, exchange of intelligence on illegal trade, and closer coordination among law-enforcement agencies of the two countries.

Mr. Tran Quang Bao reaffirmed Viet Nam’s readiness to continue supporting Lao PDR in the implementation of CITES, development of traceability systems, technical capacity building, and cooperation to prevent and combat transnational wildlife and timber crime.

The two sides also agreed to explore the establishment of a dedicated bilateral cooperation project on CITES implementation and the prevention of illegal wildlife and timber trade. The proposed project would focus on information exchange, training, traceability systems and coordinated law-enforcement actions.

The meeting further exchanged experiences on REDD+, forest restoration, forest fire prevention and suppression, forest monitoring technologies, forest carbon credits and Payment for Forest Environmental Services, or PFES. Viet Nam expressed its willingness to share relevant policies, implementation mechanisms and practical lessons to support Lao PDR in developing its national PFES framework and forest-finance mechanisms.

In the area of nature conservation, both sides welcomed the successful inscription of the Hin Nam No–Phong Nha-Ke Bang Transboundary World Heritage Site. They agreed to continue strengthening cooperation on transboundary protected-area management, wildlife monitoring, ecosystem restoration, community participation and sustainable ecotourism development.

Regarding investment and trade, the Lao side recognized the important contribution of Vietnamese investors to the development of forest plantations and rubber plantations in Lao PDR. These investments have helped create employment, increase export earnings and support rural economic development.

Both sides agreed to promote a transition from the export of raw materials towards higher-value processing. Priority areas include rubber processing, the use of rubberwood for furniture production, engineered wood, processed timber and other high-value wood products.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen technical exchanges on forest reproductive materials, tree breeding, seed production, nursery management, plantation technologies and joint scientific research.

Looking ahead, the Department of Forestry of Lao PDR, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Inspection of Lao PDR, and the Viet Nam Forestry Administration will continue to coordinate closely, designate technical focal points, develop a joint work plan and monitor implementation. The three departments aim to report concrete achievements at the next Annual Meeting on the implementation of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding.

The meeting concluded in a warm, friendly and sincere atmosphere, reflecting the special relationship and strong cooperation between Lao PDR and Viet Nam.

Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR.