Human resources development is essential for the success of country development particularly in many developing ASEAN countries such as Lao PDR. Following the RF-supported “Needs Assessment Workshop” for Laotian agricultural institutions held in Khon Kaen in June 2001, grants have been provided to qualified Lao candidates to undertake MSc studies at Khon Kaen University in Thailand. These candidates are from all the three Agricultural and Forestry Colleges, Tha-Ngone Irrigation College in Vientiane and the National University of Laos’ Faculty of Agriculture. Theoretical trainings are done in Thailand, while practical/research trainings are carried out mostly in Lao PDR. The first group of 5 candidates are expected to complete their MSc in October 2004 and after returning to their home institutions, will significantly contribute to raising the level and credibility of future training programs in Lao PDR and begin the process of providing adequate agriculture graduates to assist the country to meet its food security needs as well as agricultural-based development.