At the forest protection department of Hương Trà Township, Thừa Thiên-Huế Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE — Officials from the Salavan province of Laos and the central Thừa Thiên-Huế province of Việt Nam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in protecting forests, forest products and wildlife in the border areas of the two localities over the next five years.

Under the document, the two will coordinate to prevent and control illegal logging, mining, wildlife hunting, and timber and wildlife trade along the shared border areas.

The localities will work on inspecting and supervising the import and export of forest products and wildlife and educating local communities on the importance of forest management and protection, and wildlife conservation.

They are seeking funding from international organisations to restore wildlife populations that are on the verge of extinction.

The two nations have had long-lasting cooperation in many development areas, especially in ago-forestry collaboration.

Last year, Việt Nam and Laos agreed to strengthen comprehensive cooperation in agriculture, forestry, and rural development, focusing on applying technologies, training human resources and investing in trade development.

They have cooperated in a series of agro-forestry projects, including those to support agricultural and rural development and poverty reduction models in Houaphanh and Xiengkhuang provinces of Laos.

Vietnamese and Lao authorities are also developing a master plan for flood prevention and drainage to ensure food security in central Khammouane and Savannakhet provinces of Laos. — VNS