ICD2023: Celebrating Lao Coffee and Promoting Safe Work Environment in the Supply Chain

(KPL) International Coffee Day (ICD) is back and bigger than ever.  ICD provides an opportunity to celebrate our love for coffee while also recognizing the hard work and sacrifices made by those who make it possible. This year's theme focuses on raising awareness and 'Promoting the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the coffee supply chain’.

ICD has become a global event that brings together coffee enthusiasts, businesses, and consumers to celebrate the love for coffee and raise awareness about its impact on sustainable development. In Lao PDR, the sixth edition of ICD will take place in Vientiane from 29-30/9/ - 1/10/2023, and in the ancient town of Luang Prabang from 27-29/10/2023.

International Coffee Day 2023 in the Lao PDR aims to build and stimulate the Lao coffee enthusiasts' community, represent the entire Lao coffee supply chain, promote green growth through coffee, facilitate interprofessional dialogue and solutions, and contribute to the promotion of tourism.

These events are supported the goals of the Project to Reinforce the Commercial Capacity of Coffee (PRCC) in Northern Laos, a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aimed at strengthening the coffee industry and promoting sustainable development principles in Laos.

The European Union (EU) has also teamed up with AFD to sponsor the International Coffee Day, based on its growing support to the Lao coffee sector, focusing on the entire coffee value chain, from production to consumption and exports, with the aim of improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers and labourers, and preserving the environment.

The organization of the International Coffee Day 2023 is made possible through the support of various development partners and the public and private sectors. The Vientiane Center, Vientiane and the Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce and Industry are the hosts for the two coffee events. The development partners supporting the event include the International Trade Centre, the UK Trade Partnerships Programme, United States Department of Agriculture, Winrock International, the International Labour Organization, Oxfam and CARE International in the Lao PDR.  The Lao Coffee Association, Lao Coffee Culture or Coffee Lovers, Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative, and Coffee-Fix among others have also provided valuable support for the various event activities.

Attendees can look forward to exploring the rich flavors and aromas of Lao quality coffee, gaining invaluable knowledge through interactive sessions, participating in stimulating panel discussions, and building meaningful connections within the coffee community. Moreover, the event will shed light on the ethical and sustainable practices that underpin the coffee industry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of coffee in the country's development.

Save the dates for International Coffee Day 2023! Join us in celebrating coffee and supporting a sustainable and ethical coffee industry at International Coffee Day 2023 in Laos! Together, let's raise our cups to the future of coffee and the prosperity it brings to the nation.

KPL