VIENTIANE, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese experts are conducting a training workshop for local produce processing technicians to strengthen skills in Lao capital Vientiane.

The 21-day training, supported by Chinese Ministry of Commerce with experts from China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries CO., LTD, was kicked off on Monday. It aimed to enhance opportunities for the Lao farming sector to gain new technical knowledge and learn about the processing of agricultural products.

Laos continues to face challenges in the sale of farm products, especially concerning quality and competition with suppliers from other countries because they still lack experience in processing. Lao agriculture is also struggling with the high cost of capital required for crops, while most farmers continue to use traditional methods, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Thursday.

The export market of Laos faces particular challenges and requires improvement at several stages of the production process, notably in the field, technical systems, packaging, machinery, and product certification.

Recently, Laos and China agreed to cooperate in the areas of crop science, plant protection, and animal science. The two sides also agreed to work together in the fields of food quality and safety and agricultural machinery.