Thailand has started exporting beef cattle to Vietnam for the first time, following Vietnam's approval for 14 cattle and buffalo farms in Thailand to export up to 7,000 beef cattle. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives presided over the release of the beef cattle caravans, emphasizing the good trade relations between the two countries. The export of beef cattle to Vietnam involves transportation through the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Department of Livestock Development has sought cooperation from Lao PDR in controlling cross-border transportation.