Lao PDR Delegation Visits KKU Faculty of Technology to Study Food Processing and Preservation Technologies, Seeking to Advance Laos’ Food Industry

10 March 2026
13:35

On 6 March 2026, the Faculty of Technology at Khon Kaen University, led by Assistant Professor Araya Chaoruangrit, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Technology; Associate Professor Wimontip Singthuean, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Education, Digital Affairs, and Student Affairs; and Assistant Professor Pimnipa Hirunson, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Food Technology, welcomed a delegation from the Department of Processing Industry, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The delegation was led by Mr. Kinla Khounvisith, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Processing Industry, on a visit to study food processing and preservation technologies and to explore potential academic collaborations between the two nations.

The delegation comprised 13 officials from the public sector, including representatives from the Department of Processing Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National University of Laos, and the Industry and Commerce Departments of Champasak, Savannakhet, and Khammouan provinces. It also included six private sector entrepreneurs involved in the production of various processed foods, such as dried meat, pâté, stuffed pig’s trotter, Lao sausage (moua oua), sweet jerky, salted pork rind, and fruit wine.

The primary objective of the visit was to gain an overview of the academic curriculum, research initiatives, and short courses related to food technology and preservation. Key concepts in meat processing, with an emphasis on hygiene, safety, and nutritional value retention, were also a focus. The delegation attended a special lecture on meat processing technology and nutrient preservation. They also toured the faculty’s food processing, hygiene, and quality assurance laboratories, as well as the Agriculture and Food Pilot Plant at Khon Kaen University, to observe modern processing and preservation systems in practice.

Furthermore, the delegation visited the Food Pilot Plant at the Khon Kaen University Science Park to exchange experiences on production techniques and hygiene systems. This was particularly beneficial for the Lao entrepreneurs accompanying the delegation. The visit was part of the “Project to Promote Food Preservation Technology for Food Security and Trade Opportunities,” which aims to enhance the capabilities of Lao producers and officials in modern food preservation technology, production standards, food safety, and trade competitiveness.

This visit to the Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, marks a significant step in strengthening academic and technical cooperation between Thailand and Lao PDR, particularly in the field of food technology. It is expected to contribute to the sustainable development of the food industry in Laos.