TRAINING COURSE ON DEVELOPMENT OF FARMER’S ORGANIZATION

Agricultural Development and Commercialization

Mekong Institute (MI) is organizing the Training Course on “Development of Farmer’s Organization”, at the MI’s Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen, Thailand, from December 20 to 24, 2016. The training course is sponsored by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). 

The training course aims to enhance Lao government officials’ capacity in developing and strengthening farmer’s organizations using best practices and experiences in Thailand for better livelihood of farmers and improved agriculture sector in Lao PDR. Twenty-two participants from Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) from Vientiane Capital, Khammouane, and Savannakhet, are attending the program. 

MI’s Executive Director, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, welcomed the participants and acknowledged development partners for their financial support. He emphasized on the importance of farmer groups and network since agriculture sector in the region are dominated by smallholder farmers, it is difficult for them to gain economy of scale. Working in groups will provide them better access to information and technology, which will increase their competitiveness and bargaining power. He expressed his hopes that participants, as a main change agent, would apply the knowledge and skills gained from this training course upon their return to Lao PDR to actually create an impact.

Related News

Scroll to Top

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.