VIENTIANE, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Officials from the Lao government and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are convening here for a high-level advocacy meeting and a technical workshop focused on enhancing food safety in Laos.
The event, held from Tuesday to Thursday, brought together policymakers, technical experts, and representatives from various sectors, including agriculture, health, trade, and industry.
According to a report from the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health on Wednesday, the event aims to build national capacity, raise awareness among key decision-makers, and align Laos' food safety standards with internationally recognized Codex guidelines.
Codex standards 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 looking to expand global market access while protecting consumer health.
In his speech, Lao Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth highlighted the importance of adhering to international guidelines to ensure food safety and support sustainable development in Laos.
The meeting aims to raise awareness among high-level officials, empowering them to take a leadership role in guiding the enhancement of food safety standards in Laos in line with international standards.
During the three-day event, participants are discussing the role of Codex in international trade, reviewing Laos' progress and challenges in Codex participation, and exploring strategies to improve coordination among national stakeholders. Enditem