VIENTIANE, Lao PDR – 30 April 2025 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Lao People's Democratic Republic, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), convened a pivotal consultation meeting to initiate the development of a national Master Plan for the Lao tea sector and the establishment of a dedicated Lao Tea Association. The meeting, held in Vientiane, brought together key stakeholders committed to unlocking the full potential of this vital agricultural sector.

The consultation was chaired by Mr. Vanthieng Phommasoulin, Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture, MAF, and co-chaired by Mr. Chanthalath Pongmala, Assistant FAO Representative. Both emphasized the significant role of tea in Lao PDR's economy, providing livelihoods for farmers and offering considerable opportunities for both domestic and international markets. Lao PDR's rich tea heritage, particularly its unique, centuries-old wild tea varieties from the northern regions, is recognized globally for its distinctive quality. Currently, tea cultivation spans approximately 7,800 hectares across eight provinces, yielding around 18,400 tons, supported by 28 processing facilities.

Recognizing the existing challenges within the sector, including prevalent basic production methods and market access limitations, the initiative aims to pave the way for a more structured and prosperous future. The consultation marks the official commencement of project activities designed to:

• Enhance the capabilities of government personnel and relevant stakeholders.
• Formulate a comprehensive Tea Master Plan for Lao PDR through rigorous data collection, value chain analysis, and assessments of suitable land for quality tea production.
• Establish the Lao Tea Association as a foundational institution to foster coordination, promotion, and collaborative efforts within the tea industry.

Discussions during the meeting focused on refining the project's implementation strategy, encompassing crucial activities such as capacity-building workshops, data gathering, land surveys, value chain studies, and the detailed planning for the establishment of the association and the drafting of the master plan.

"This consultation meeting represents a significant step towards the official endorsement and establishment of both the Lao Tea Association and the Tea Development Master Plan," affirmed Mr. Vanthieng Phommasoulin of MAF.

Mr. Chanthalath Pongmala of FAO added, "We are confident that through shared knowledge, experience, and dedication, we can generate valuable insights to strengthen the master plan and build a robust and relevant Lao Tea Association that can be effectively implemented within the Lao PDR context."

This joint initiative by FAO and MAF underscores a shared vision for a more organized, prosperous, and sustainable future for the Lao tea sector, contributing to economic growth, poverty reduction, and rural development in the country.

Contact:

Ms. Sneamphay Phrasayamongkhounh - National Project Technical Support Officer

TCP/LAO/3902 – Tea Master Plan Development project 

Email: [email protected]