April 13, 2026 VIENTIANE – The governments of Laos and France have launched two programmes aimed at strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable landscapes, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in support of rural development and climate adaptation. The two programmes, financed by the French government through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), are funded by a grant of 6 million euros and are being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment from 2025 to 2027. The launch ceremony in Vientiane this week was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, the French Ambassador to Laos Bénédicte Deschamps, and Vice Chairman of the Savannakhet Provincial People’s Council, Khamphoui Sibounheuang. The first initiative, Promoting Climate-Resilient Irrigation, is led by the Department of Irrigation with technical support from Ginger SOFRECO and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The second, Building ...