The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is reinforcing its commitment to food safety with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and the Codex Trust Fund (CTF). A high-level advocacy meeting and a Codex orientation workshop were held in Vientiane, Lao PDR from 20 to 22 May 2025, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Department.

The events aimed to raise awareness among senior decision-makers and build national capacity to establish a well-functioning national Codex programme. They also sought to enhance Lao PDR’s ability to participate effectively in Codex work and to identify appropriate mechanisms for coordination among relevant stakeholders. Participants included policymakers, technical experts, and representatives from both the public and private sectors, spanning the fields of agriculture, health, trade, industry, and academia.

Dr. Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of Codex in ensuring food safety and supporting sustainable development in Lao PDR: “This is an excellent opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the FAO for their continuous support”, he said. “Their assistance has been vital in building the capacity of Codex members in Lao PDR. We believe this workshop will raise awareness among high-level officials who can prioritize Codex work and strengthen Laos' role in global food safety discussions” concluded the Deputy Minister of Health. 

Codex standards, developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, are internationally recognized benchmarks for food safety and quality. These standards serve as reference points in trade agreements and dispute resolution under the World Trade Organization (WTO), making them essential for countries seeking to expand global market access while protecting consumer health.

Kyung-mee Kim, FAO Representative to the Lao PDR, praised the multi-sectoral participation in the event: “We are honored to be joined by high-level decision-makers and technical officers from agriculture, health, industry, trade, academia, and the private sector,” she said. “This demonstrates a strong, shared commitment to protecting consumer health and promoting fair practices in the food trade.”

Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged in discussions on the role of Codex in international trade, the importance of a well-functioning national Codex programme, how to actively engage in Codex work, and strategies to improve coordination among national stakeholders. They also reflected on the current challenges and progress Lao PDR faces in its Codex participation.

This workshop marked a significant step toward strengthening Lao PDR’s food safety system and its capacity to actively contribute to global Codex standard-setting processes.

© FAO / Panpilad Saikaew