(KPL) The 3rd Conseil National du Café Lao or Lao Coffee Board (CNCL) Secretariat Meeting, organized by the AFD-funded Project for the Reinforcement of Commercial Capacities in the Lao Coffee Sector (PRCC Coffee North) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DOA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) was held in Paksong, Bolaven Plateau.

The meeting was organized in conjunction with the annual Bolaven Plateau Coffee, Tea, and Agricultural Products Festival, where people from all over the Lao PDR gathered to celebrate agricultural excellence and promote the linkages between Lao coffee, tea, and tourism.

Noteworthy participants were mainly the members of CNCL Secretariat from MAF, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of the Finances, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Bank of Lao PDR and the LNCCI were in attendance, among others.

The gathering marked the official appointment of the CNCL Secretariat Committee, with Mr. Bounchanh Kombounyasith, Director General of DOA, MAF, assuming the role of Director of CNCL Secretariat. Discussions centered on the Lao coffee sector’s crucial issues and solutions, as well as the preparation of the agenda and processes for the upcoming annual CNCL meeting in March 2024.

"This meeting amongst the secretariat members provides an excellent platform to discuss issues, identify solutions, and also assists us in preparing the agenda and other processes for the upcoming meeting next month which is pivotal for the Lao Coffee Board," Mr. Bounchanh Kombounyasith, Director General of DOA and also the Director of CNCL Secretariat.

Additionally, the meeting showcased the 2024 Lao Coffee Sector Assessment's findings. It identified strengths such as high-value coffee and various opportunities for market expansion and product diversification.

However, the industry faces challenges, including insect diseases, limited access to credit, and unregulated trading practices. Mr. Souklaty Sysaneth, the Sector Policy Expert of PRCC Coffee North presented recommendations aimed at bolstering the sector's sustainability and profitability.

"The vital steps to improve the sustainability and profitability of the coffee sector involve using new techniques to combat insect diseases, making it easier for coffee farmers to access credit, tackling the costs associated with land services and exports, maintaining high standards and quality, regulating the buying and selling of coffee, and taking measures to address the shortage of labour," said Sysaneth.

Supported by PRCC Coffee North, the meeting underscored the project's commitment to fortifying the CNCL and its Secretariat, ensuring streamlined coordination, and bolstering the committee's influence and effectiveness.

KPL