Laos has exported its first batch of 50 tonnes of rice to the European Union (EU).

Illustrative image (Source: AFP/VNA)

The first shipment of the Thadokkham-8 (TDK8) rice variety is being sold to Belgium by Champahom Trading Import-Export Sole Co., Ltd., and the sale is part of a project to promote rice production for commercial purposes under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, supported by a loan from the World Bank, the Vientiane Times reported.

The 50 tonnes of rice are valued at 29,000 USD. The company encouraged farmers to grow the rice in Pakngum and Xaythany districts of Vientiane capital on a total area of 600 hectares.

Champahom Director Bounhieng Phommisay said the company planned to work with all relevant sectors to encourage farmers to grow more rice and increase their yields so they could export more, as much as 3,000 tonnes a year.

Bounhieng said the opportunities for Lao producers and businesses would improve significantly after the Laos-China railway becomes operational in December this year.

Source: VNA