Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS, President Shin Gi-deok) announced that it held the opening ceremony for the Livestock Technology Center in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, on the 19th. The center was established as part of a technical cooperation initiative between two KOICA-funded projects: the "Project for Rural Development in Central-Northern Laos" and the "Project for Capacity Building of Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) for Cultivating High-Level Livestock Professionals."

The ceremony was attended by key figures including Mr. Yoon Hae-jin, Vice President of Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and Project Manager (PM) for the Laos project; Dr. Kim Su-ki, Director of the Konkuk University Veterinary Education Center (KUVEC) and PM for the Vietnam project; Mr. Somsamone, Director of the Xieng Khouang Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO); and Dr. Bui Huy Doan, Vice Dean of VNUA.

Established as a component of the $12.5 million KOICA project for Rural Development in Central-Northern Laos (2021-2025), the center is equipped with infrastructure for advanced livestock research and experimentation.

To develop the Xieng Khouang Livestock Technology Center into a regional hub for livestock advancement, Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) supported the construction of ▲ an administrative building, ▲ livestock barns, ▲ grass storage, ▲ laboratories, ▲ artificial insemination (AI) equipment, ▲ pasture seeds, and ▲ farm machinery parking. Concurrently, VNUA shared the superior livestock technologies it acquired through Konkuk University with the center to maximize productivity and efficiency in the local industry.

Xieng Khouang Province, a plateau situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters, possesses an ideal climate for cattle farming and is a major hub for exporting cattle to neighboring Vietnam. Recognizing this, Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) planned a synergy with the VNUA capacity-building project in Vietnam. From 2024 to March 2026, three rounds of training were conducted, covering cattle management, AI technology, disease prevention and treatment, castration, slaughtering, and facility management.

The PMs of both projects, Vice President Yoon Hae-jin and Director Kim Su-ki, remarked, "This project is not just about building infrastructure; it is a significant opportunity to share expertise and empower local livestock stakeholders." They added, "We expect this center to serve as a springboard for the industry in Xieng Khouang and hope to maintain the partnership between the center and VNUA to create a model for sustainable livestock development."

Mr. Somsamone of Xieng Khouang PAFO expressed his expectations, stating, "This center will be a turning point for regional development. By adopting advanced technologies from Korea and Vietnam, we will enhance our competitiveness." Dr. Bui Huy Doan of VNUA added, "We expect Laos' artificial insemination capabilities to reach a new level through this center, and we are committed to sharing Vietnam's technologies to boost productivity."

The project is anticipated to elevate the level of livestock technology in Xieng Khouang, enabling the production of high-quality livestock through AI. It will also support sustainable growth by providing technical training and hands-on opportunities for workers in the sector. KOICA and Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) plan to continue strengthening cooperation centered on the Livestock Technology Center.

Following the opening, the province plans to provide various technical services, including cattle management and AI technology, to 73 selected livestock farms and nearby industry stakeholders.

LINK : https://www.gokorea.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=822766