Jizoku Inc. Signs MOU with Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Department of Planning and Cooperation for JCM Reforestation

Left: NGUYEN DUY, Overseas Business General Manager, Jizoku Inc.; Right: Dr. BOUNDETH SOUTHAVILAY, Director General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation, Lao Government.

Jizoku Inc. (Headquarters: Kunitachi, Tokyo; CEO: Keiichiro Kataoka), a company engaged in carbon credit generation in the agricultural sector, announced that in early April 2026, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Planning and Cooperation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic regarding a reforestation project utilizing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). This is the first time a startup company has signed an MOU with the Lao government in this field.

Background
Amidst the accelerating global trend toward decarbonization, interest in generating international carbon credits via the JCM—a framework where Japan provides capital and technology to developing countries and shares the reduction results—is rising rapidly. Reforestation and forest conservation are primary methods under this mechanism.

While Laos is one of the leading forest nations in Southeast Asia, forest loss due to land conversion and illegal logging has become a critical issue. The Lao government aims to restore and maintain a forest cover rate of 70% as a national target, positioning climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management through reforestation as key national strategies.

Since its establishment in June 2024, Jizoku has been supporting carbon credit generation in agriculture and primary industries. Leveraging its expertise and network in Southeast Asia cultivated through JCM projects in Vietnam, the company successfully formed this formal partnership with the Lao government.

Overview of the MOU
Counterpart: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry / Department of Planning and Cooperation, Lao PDR
Date of Conclusion: Early April 2026
Collaboration Content: Joint promotion of reforestation projects utilizing the JCM
Purpose: Large-scale generation of JCM credits through reforestation activities within Laos

Comments from Keiichiro Kataoka, CEO of Jizoku Inc.
"We are honored to have signed this MOU with the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Planning and Cooperation. Laos possesses immense potential for carbon credit generation through reforestation in Southeast Asia. This formal partnership with the government significantly enhances the project's feasibility. Being the first startup to sign an MOU with the Lao government acknowledges Jizoku's previous efforts. We will continue to promote the dual goals of decarbonization and regional development through reforestation together with the people of Laos."

Future Outlook
Based on this MOU, Jizoku will proceed with site selection and surveys for reforestation in Laos and initiate project design in accordance with JCM methodologies. By maximizing Laos' vast forest potential, the company aims to generate substantial JCM credits while contributing to the livelihood improvement of local rural communities.

In the future, the company aims to apply the knowledge gained from this project globally, contributing to a sustainable society as a pioneer in carbon credit generation within the agriculture and forestry sectors of Southeast Asia.

Company Profile
Jizoku Inc.
Location: Kunitachi, Tokyo
CEO: Keiichiro Kataoka
Established: June 2024
Business: Carbon credit generation support for agriculture; farmland monitoring using satellite data
URL: https://jizoku-inc.com/