(KPL) The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and its partners France and the European Union celebrated together the International Coffee Day (ICD), locally known as "Boon Kafe Ban Hao" at the Vientiane Center, Vientiane.

The ICD, officially observed on October 1^st, is celebrated every year by more than 70 countries around the world.

In the Lao PDR, this event has been organized every year since 2018, and has become an annual meeting for coffee lovers and stakeholders to highlight the importance of Lao coffee in local and international markets, resulting from sustainable development and collaborative efforts.

This year, the Green Cup Project and its partners brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, development partners and private sector.

Lao coffee is produced on around 98,000 hectares of land, with an annual estimated output of 150,000 tons, mostly from the southern provinces. More than 300,000 farmers earn income from the coffee industry, which exports 100,000 tons of beans every year worth more than US$100 million. 

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh emphasized in his opening speech the vital role that coffee plays in the country’s socio-economic development:

"Lao coffee has become an important export product, contributing significantly to our economy. The theme 'Coffee: Your Daily Ritual, Our Shared Journey' reflects the collective effort to promote Lao coffee while advancing sustainable practices. We are proud to showcase our unique coffee heritage and its role in fostering green development."

The French Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor highlighted the importance of the collaboration among two countries in boosting trade and investment in the green economy:

"French cooperation is alongside the Lao PDR in a sustainable and continuous manner. The Green Cup Project reflects the success of French support to the agricultural sector and brings the spirit of “Team Europe Partnership with the Lao PDR to increase sustainable and inclusive Trade, Investment and Connectivity in the Agriculture sector. France is proud to be a part of this initiative, which builds on 20 years of successful cooperation between France and Laos in agriculture."

In addition to the ambassador, Mr. Bounchan Kombounyasith, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, added:

"Coffee is one of our most important agricultural exports, supporting small farmers and contributing to our national income. Our focus now is on improving production techniques and standards to enhance competitiveness in global markets." 

Ms. Veerle Smet, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to the Lao PDR, highlighted coffee's role in fostering international collaboration and reaffirmed the EU's support for Laos' coffee sector.

"The European Union is actively engaging with various stakeholders to boost trade and investment to develop high-quality value chains in the Lao PDR. We contribute to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the coffee and tea sectors, with a particular focus on organic production and fair trade. Furthermore, we prioritize decent work, safe and healthy working conditions, and the welfare of unskilled workers in those sectors"

Last year, the ICD celebration drew over 16,000 visitors across events in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, featuring local business booths. The 2024 event featured over 40 exhibition booths presenting Lao coffee and coffee-related products, panel discussions, business matching, coffee cupping, barista demos, and activities for children.

The 2024 ICD celebration was co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Lao Coffee Association, Lao Coffee Lovers, Vientiane Center and its event partners (Oxfam, International Labour Organisation, LURAS Project, Helvetas, Care International in Lao PDR, Lao Farmers Association, CPC, Coffee Fix and among others.

KPL