REGIONAL WORKSHOP CUM SLV ON SUCCESSFUL CONTRACT FARMING

Agricultural Development and Commercialization

The one-week Regional Workshop cum Structured Learning Visit (SLV) on Successful Contract Farming Models in Thailand commenced on May 18, 2015 at the MI Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen. This activity is part of the project “Capacity Development Program for Integrating CLMV Economies into AEC” funded by New Zealand Aid Programme. 

This workshop cum SLV aims to raise the awareness of participants to various contract farming arrangements and cross-border contract farming in the GMS and its importance in linking small-scale farmers to market. Factors contributing to the success of contract farming will be discussed during the workshop and validated during field visits to various CF models existing in Thailand. 

Twenty-eight decision makers from government ministries, provincial authorities, agri-business firms, farmer and producer groups who are directly involved in contract farming and cross-border agricultural trade in CLMV were invited to join this program. 

In the opening remarks, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, Director of Mekong Institute, stressed the significance of contract farming as an economic development approach that can lead to increases in farmers’ income and reduction of some economic risks in production and marketing of agricultural products, particularly price fluctuations and market uncertainties. He hoped that participants will be able to enhance their understanding of contract farming and start discussions on the capacity needs to improve cross-border contract farming policies and management systems in CLMV.

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.