Eastern European–Asian Cooperation: Aquacultural and Cultural Contributions to Increased Fish Consumption in Laos

Laos is one of the 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) of the world, where isolation from the sea and the lack of a large-scale fishing industry have a direct effect on fish supply and fish consumption. Per capita fish consumption in LLDCs amounted to 5.1 kg/year in 2023, which is much lower than the world average (20.3 kg) as well as the Developing Regions average (20.0 kg). However, per capita fish consumption in Laos has reached 28.5 kg/year in 2023, representing the highest among the 32 LLDCs. Relying on the results and experiences of several decades of work in aquaculture development in Laos and taking into account the observations of local and international publications, documents and statistics included, the authors aimed at identifying the principal reasons for the elevated fish consumption in Laos from different perspectives, including that of aquaculture, as well as Lao language, culture, and religion. In this review, the authors analyzed the availability of aquatic resources, the role of fishing and aquaculture in the Lao economy and social life, market realities, as well as the importance of fish in Lao culture.