Hanoi (VNA) ꦗ– With fertile land and a favourable two-season climate, Laos offers strong potential for agricultural development. Its Bolikhamxay province is emerging as a strategic destination for Vietnamese investment in farming and agribusiness.

Located just 150-km from Vietnam’s Cau Treo border gate and close to Thailand’s Beungkan province and the Lao capital Vientiane, Bolikhamxay offers geographic advantages for cross-border trade. Connectivity is expected to improve further with the completion of the fifth Laos–Thailand Friendship Bridge by the end of 2025, facilitating logistics and agricultural exports to Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Bolikhamxay has become a strong performer in agricultural production. During the recent dry season, the province harvested 1,500 ha of rice with yields exceeding 6 tonnes/ha. Cassava remains a key crop, with over 9,000 ha harvested and more than 600,000 tonnes produced, surpassing annual targets. Total cassava cultivation now covers over 20,000 ha. For the rainy season, the province is implementing a plan to cultivate more than 37,000 ha, with 14,000 ha already planted. The province is also developing livestock farming to meet domestic demand and for export. Bolikhamxay currently has 48 cattle and buffalo farms, 13 pig farms, and encourages household-based fish and frog farming to support sustainable livelihoods. To support high-value exports, the province is attracting investment in the production of bananas, mangoes, durian, jackfruit, oranges, and pomelos. Cassava starch processing plants in Khamkeut, Viengthong and Pakkading districts are operating effectively, serving both local markets and exports. Disaster preparedness is a core focus for Bolikhamxay. Authorities actively implement flood, landslide, and pest control measures during the rainy season. The agriculture department monitors water levels at 29 hydrological stations on the Mekong River and supports irrigation infrastructure and the distribution of appropriate seed varieties. According to Dalaphone Phonsavanhdee, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the province regularly dispatches technical staff to guide farmers in livestock care and crop production. The provincial rural development centre also produces and distributes high-quality rice seeds and helps secure post-harvest sales to stabilise farmer incomes. Bolikhamxay is committed to integrating disaster prevention with agricultural development, providing a solid foundation for long-term resilience and increasing its appeal to foreign investors./.