Laos is making significant strides in promoting sustainable agricultural production and expanding its export markets through the China-Laos Railway. This strategic initiative aims to increase the export of key agricultural products to China, fostering economic growth and sustainability within the region.
The Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has partnered with the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) under the project titled \"Assessing Policy Enhancements for Sustainable Agriculture Linked to the China-Laos Railway.\" This collaboration seeks to develop policy recommendations that will enable Laos to fully leverage the railway infrastructure to boost agricultural exports while maintaining sustainable farming practices.
Key commodities targeted for export to China include cassava, rubber, bananas, and sugarcane. Additionally, there is growing interest from local governments in exporting cattle, further diversifying Laos's agricultural export portfolio.
The impact of the China-Laos Railway is already evident, with freight transport reaching 2.3 million tons in the first five months of 2024. This represents a 31% increase compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting the railway's role in enhancing trade efficiency and economic collaboration between Laos and China.
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Laos seeks to boost agricultural exports via China-Laos Railway
cgtn.com
