Annually, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development organizes delegations to visit neighboring Lao provinces for the exchange of experiences and production techniques. The department works closely with local forestry departments in Laos to assess climate and soil conditions, supporting the implementation of suitable models for fruit tree cultivation and livestock farming. Additionally, the department facilitates and hosts delegations from Lao provinces, providing opportunities to explore and learn about agricultural economic models in the region. Staff members are also dispatched to offer technical guidance and support, ensuring the effective implementation of agricultural support models in Laos.

Since 2020, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has collaborated with the Forestry Department of Houaphanh Province to assist local farmers by providing 5,330 mango trees, over 10,400 pink grapefruit trees, and more than 2,170 late-ripening longan trees. These models are now thriving and starting to yield harvests. Annually, the two departments hold coordination meetings to assess the collaboration on forest protection, fire prevention, and firefighting in the border area between Son La and Houaphanh. They also sign cooperation agreements.

The department has partnered with the Forestry Department of Luang Prabang Province to implement a model for cultivating 10 hectares of mangoes in Phonthong District and 10 hectares of longan in Nambak District. Additionally, in cooperation with the Forestry Department of Luang Namtha Province, they have surveyed and evaluated the suitability of weather, climate, and soil conditions in Viengphoukha District for supporting models including 20 hectares of oranges, 5 hectares of grapefruit, and 25 hectares of mangoes in the villages of Thaluong and Nhamcap.

In alignment with the cooperation program between Son La Province and neighboring Lao provinces, Phu Yen District has been supporting Luang Prabang Province with seedling supplies and technical assistance. Bac Cam Thi Sieng, Head of the Phu Yen Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that previously, Phu Yen had supported Luang Prabang’s farmers in cultivating 3 hectares of oranges and 25 hectares of glutinous rice. In 2023, following a field visit with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to Nam Bak District in Luang Prabang, the Department proposed to the Phu Yen People's Committee to assist in implementing a goat farming model.

After visiting and learning about several economic models in Son La Province, Chay Phet Huong Tha Von, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry in Huaphan Province, expressed that the support from Son La’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in fruit tree cultivation had significantly changed farmers' perspectives and production methods. This assistance has contributed to an increase in fruit production, reaching over 16,900 tons per year. He hopes that in the future, Son La’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to collaborate, share experiences, and support the development of fruit cultivation and livestock farming models, as well as organize regular field trips to exchange experiences and visit production models.

Looking ahead, Son La’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will enhance cooperation by working closely with the Departments of Agriculture and Forestry in neighboring provinces to promote investment and trade in agricultural products. They aim to showcase the agricultural potential and advantages of Son La Province to Lao partners, thereby strengthening the bond between Son La and Lao provinces, and fostering the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.