[SHANGHAI, CHINA] – From January 24–26, 2026, a high-level delegation from the Lao PDR conducted an official technical mission to the Shanghai Liancheng Group Co., Ltd. in the People’s Republic of China. Led by the Director General of the Inspection Department, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Irrigation (DOI), and the Director of the Vientiane Capital Agriculture and Environment Division (PAEO), the visit marks a critical milestone in the modernization of the nation’s rural water management.

The primary objective of this mission was to conduct a factory acceptance inspection of the high-capacity water pump units destined for the Huay Mak Hiao site in Pak Ngum District, Vientiane Capital. These systems are being procured under the Sustainable Rural Infrastructure and Watershed Management Sector Project (SRIWSM), specifically utilizing the Disaster Recovery Assistance (DRA) framework.

This component focuses on restoring and strengthening critical infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, moving beyond simple repairs to a “Build Back Better” approach. By verifying the production standards and technical specifications at the Shanghai facility, the delegation ensured that the new equipment meets the rigorous resilience standards required to withstand the extreme climate fluctuations and flooding historical to the Huay Mak Hiao area.

The integration of these advanced, energy-efficient pumping solutions is vital for the long-term sustainability of the watershed. Once installed, the system will provide a stable water supply for agricultural production, directly enhancing food security and climate resilience for local farmers in Pak Ngum District. This mission reinforces the commitment of the Lao government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fostering sustainable livelihoods through modernized, disaster-resilient infrastructure.