Embassy of India

Vientiane, Laos

Press Release

1. Handover ceremony of Quick Impact Project for promotion of Goat Raising in Jieng Village, Thoulakhom District, Vientiane Province. In a ceremony held on 29 November 2022, Ambassador of India Mr. Dinkar Asthana, along with representatives of Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos, handed over a completed project for promotion of goat raising in Jieng Village of Thoulakhom district in Vientiane Province. The project was undertaken as a part of the Government of India’s Quick Impact Project (QIP) Scheme, under the framework of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC). The Government of India provided grant assistance of US$ 50,000 for the project.

2. The project activities included farm development, supplying of breeding goats, planting grass for feeding goats, planting trees, supplying of nets and barbed wires for building fences. It also included training for goat raising, goat treatment and healthcare. The project has received overwhelming response and created a visible impact among the beneficiaries.

3. The Government of India has undertaken various assistance programmes and projects for socio-economic development of Laos. In particular, India has taken up 11 Quick Impact Projects in Laos in the areas of health, education, drinking water facility, agriculture, across seven provinces of Laos at the grassroot level. Out of these, five projects have been completed and remaining six projects are at an advanced stage of implementation. The Government of India will continue to support and collaborate with the Government of Lao PDR under the MGC framework.

4. Ambassador Dinkar Asthana in his remarks noted that the project will contribute in bringing happiness to the lives of local farmers by improving their economic condition. He also noted that the project is being handed over to the Lao people at a time when India is celebrating its Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, as India call the celebrations of 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.

5. Dr. Thatsaka Saphungthong, Director General of Planning and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos appreciated the assistance from the Government of India for the project and also mentioned that the local community in the area has been benefited directly by the project.