VIENTIANE, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Agricultural production has continued to grow, contributing to socio-economic development, with the Lao government emphasizing the vital role of agriculture and forestry as the foundation for sustainable national development.
Speaking at a ceremony on Monday to mark 60 years of agricultural and forestry development, Lao Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh highlighted the significant progress of the sectors over the past six decades.
Over the past five years, the agricultural sector has grown at an average rate of 2.75 percent per year, contributing about 19 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a report issued by the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Tuesday.
In his speech, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone praised the achievements of the agriculture and forestry sectors, emphasizing their vital role in national socio-economic development and in improving the livelihoods of people from all ethnic groups.
He outlined key priorities, including strengthening food security, expanding production for domestic use and export, applying modern technology to boost productivity, and promoting sustainable forest management. ■