Agreement between University and Burapha means important step forward

On 14 February 2020 the Faculty of Forest Science and the Burapha Agro-Forestry Co., Ltd signed a Memorandum of Agreement which leads to a deepened partnership between the parties, and gives yet another important step towards future socio-economic development of Lao PDR. A signing ceremony was held at the Faculty of Forest Science, the University of Laos, which was attended by a large number of distinguished representatives. 

The Faculty of Forest Science plays a key role in the development of the forestry sector in Lao PDR. Through its dedicated ambition it is continuously contributing to raised knowledge and opening up for future possibilities. For more than 13 years, there has been a cooperation between the Faculty  of Forest Science and the Australian Government through Australian Center for International Agricultural Research, since the VALTIP development project began in 2007.

Burapha is the only Lao Swedish wood products manufacturer in Lao PDR only sourcing wood from sustainably managed plantations of Eucalyptus and Teak. In addition to the furniture factory at Nabong, Burapha is in the process of establishing a state-of-the-art plywood mill in Hin Heup District, Vientiane Province. This means creating more than 300 new jobs. 
The Memorandum of Agreement is made possible after fruitful discussions on deepened cooperation aiming at benefitting not only the Burapha company, the learning institution of the Faculty of Forest Science but also the development of the forestry sector in Lao PDR. 

Associate Professor Dr. Latsamy Boupha says: “It is indeed a joyful day for the institution of Forest Science, which is the center for human resources development for the Wood Industry Sector in Lao PDR. Burapha Agro-Forestry Co., Ltd. was the first private company to cooperate with the faculty of forest science and has continued to do so since the start of the first phase in 2006.” Dr. Boupha continues: “The signing of this Memorandum of Agreement is the first with the private sector and we are delighted to continue a deepened cooperation with Burapha to promote and develop the forestry sector and create job opportunities for our students through competence development.”

For Dr. Adam Redman, who is a former co-worker at the University, it is a very special occasion: “This is for me personally, a very happy day, since I have been involved in the Australia-funded project for more than 8 years as a researcher, a trainer and a friend of the faculty and the Lao PDR. My relationship with the Faculty of Forest Science will continue, but now in a different form since I am now an employee of Burapha Agro-Forestry as responsible for the development of the future Plywood production.” 
Thus, the agreement means taking yet another important step in the future socio-economic development of Lao PDR. It is creating opportunities for jobs and sustainable livelihoods for students of the National University.