1. Presentations on Policy Think Tank
Contributions to the SWGARD Report (2017)

2. Actions/activities relating to the RTM/RTIM recommendation /discussion points
Progress
Structure of the evidence-based policy formulation process has been improved and streamlined in the MAF’s structure.
Mandate and responsibility have been clearly identified as part of the MAF’s revised organizational structure especially the mandate and functions of the new Department of Policy and Legal Affairs and Policy Research Center at NAFRI.
Challenges and Opportunities
Efforts and assistance need to be pulled for supporting a smooth function of the improved organizational structure.
Coordination mechanism should be agreed among the identified three layers of evidence-based policy formulation process.

3. Other substantive actions/activities
Progress
The PTT conducted evidence-based research to inform and provide recommendations policy makers and development partners on:
Commercial banana
NTFPs: sustainable benzoin
Contract farming
and other research topics through collaboration on policy research with other research institutes and development projects.
Challenges and Opportunities
Limited or lack of qualified and experienced researchers to respond to needs for policy research on various topics.
Strengthening researchers network is key to achieved objective of evidence-based policy formulation process.
Developing research network with other research institutes and development projects is key to help moving the policy research agenda.

4. Communication and outreach activities with the sector and across Sector Working Groups
Progress
As an output of the policy research, research findings report, synthesis and policy briefs were published and disseminated to stakeholders.
NAFRI’s library is well known among university students to access information on agriculture and forestry sector.
Challenges and Opportunities
MAF’s websites including NAFRI and SWGARD are considered an important platform for information and knowledge sharing.
All publications should be shared with NUoL and colleges

5. Relevant research/study Focal/responsible person/Researcher (NAFRI)
On-going research
No.
Relevant research/study
Start Date
End/completed Date
Focal/responsible person/Researcher (NAFRI)
Funding Sources
Research project 1
Casava research
Dr. Vongpaphanh Manivong
CIAT 2
Synthesis report on commercialization in Lao PDR
Aug-17
Jun-18
SDC 3
Commercial Cassava Production in Lao PDR
Dr. Phanxay Ingxay 4
Factors and Implications of Sustainable Commercialization of Cattle Production in Lao PDR
Dr. Bounlert VANHNALAT 5
Factors and implications of sustainable commercialization of Cultivated Banana (Kuay Nam) in Lao PDR
Dr.Bounmy Inthakesone 6
Opportunities for sustainable commercial white charcoal production in the Lao PDR.
Mr. Simon Vongkhamhor 7
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture for Food Security and Nutrition in Lao PDR
Mr. Kaviphone Phoutthavong 8
Opportunity for Laos to become AEC membership
2016
2020
Mr. Virachit
Government Budget (MOST) 9
Competitiveness of domestic pig farm
Mr. Phoutthasone 10
Lesson learnt from Indochina Cassava factory
Mr. Somsamay 11
Rice export to China (Potentials & Challenges)
2017
Mr. Khamlar 12
Commercialization on sweet corn & other crops
2018