VIENTIANE, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Laos is advancing the quality development of its coffee and tea sector by promoting climate-resilient, community-based agroecological systems to strengthen export capacity, generate national revenue, and improve livelihoods.
The Green CUP Project, which promotes a green economy through quality, climate-resilient and inclusive value chains, held its annual technical steering committee meeting in Lao capital Vientiane on Tuesday to set the direction for the sustainable development of Laos' coffee and tea sectors, according to the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Wednesday.
The project supports the development of sustainable coffee and tea value chains, particularly in northern Laos. It targets between 3,000 and 4,000 smallholder coffee and tea households, benefiting up to 25,000 people. The initiative promotes climate-resilient production, improved governance, and inclusive economic opportunities, especially for women and youth.
Speaking at the meeting, Bounchan Kombounyasith, director general of the Department of Agriculture under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening sustainable and climate-resilient coffee and tea value chains through close cooperation with development partners. He noted that these efforts aim to improve farmers' livelihoods while protecting natural resources.
Coffee and tea are strategic sectors for Laos, contributing to sustainable growth, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has designated coffee as a strategic crop to promote exports, generate national revenue, and improve living standards. More than 80 domestic and foreign companies are currently engaged in coffee production, processing, and export, with annual export earnings estimated at around 100 million U.S. dollars.
Tea is also an important agricultural commodity, traded both domestically and internationally. It provides vital income for farming families in the northern and southern provinces and contributes significantly to the national economy. Primarily produced by rural households, Lao tea has strong potential to become a premium export product. In recent years, increased investment and growing demand from regional and international markets have further strengthened the sector. ■