Every year on 21 May, tea lovers across the globe raise their cups in celebration of International Tea Day, a nod to one of the oldest and most loved drinks in the world.
From Asia to Africa and the Americas, tea is more than just a beverage. It’s a tradition, comfort, and a shared experience across cultures.
Tea’s history stretches back thousands of years, beginning in ancient China. Over time, it spread across continents, shaping rituals in Japan, sparking revolutions in the West, and becoming a daily comfort for millions.
While the world often hears about the big tea players like China, India, and Sri Lanka, there’s a quieter, lesser-known tea story brewing in the mountains of the north Laos.
In Phongsaly Province, tea has grown for hundreds of years. The world’s oldest plantation, now 400 years old, reaches up to six meters in height, is located about 18km from Phongsaly Town, and carefully harvested by the Phunoy ethnic group, who have passed down their traditional techniques through generations.
The cool, misty mountains of northern Laos create ideal conditions for growing rich, organic tea. Handpicked and traditionally processed, Lao teas are popular across the region for their bold, earthy flavors and smooth finish.
In recent years, tea cultivation in Laos has expanded significantly. The majority, over 85 percent, is grown in northern provinces such as Phongsaly, Xiengkhouang, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Xayabouly, and Houaphanh. Southern provinces like Champasak and Xekong have also joined the movement.
Fresh tea leaves are primarily sold to local traders, around 80 percent of whom are Chinese, before being exported mainly to China’s Yunnan Province.
Smaller quantities also reach regional and European markets, including France and Germany.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DID-YOU-KNOW.-that-the-worlds-oldest-tea-plantation-is-in-Laos-Can-you-guess-where-1-2048x1070-1.jpg10702048Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-29 10:43:272025-05-26 10:45:59Laos Celebrates Its Ancient Tea Legacy on International Tea Day
Lao Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) Promotion Agency has initiated a project to enhance the productivity of local manufacturers to meet Halal certification standards for exports.
The project, titled “Development of Demonstration Companies Project for Enhancing Productivity for Halal Certification,” was officially launched by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaithong Kommasith, on 12 May.
During the ceremony, Minister Kommasith emphasized that improved productivity strengthens production capacity, enhances competitiveness, and promotes business sustainability while creating jobs and fostering innovation across sectors.
The project has selected three manufacturers with export potential targeting Muslim markets: Veunkham Salt Company, Somxay Coffee Company, and Dao Heuang Group.
In recent years, the Lao government has been making efforts to support potential MSMEs in obtaining certification for international standards, including Halal, to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
Halal certification is crucial for products targeting Muslim consumers, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws and practices. The certification process involves rigorous standards for cleanliness, sourcing of raw materials, and ethical production practices.
The Lao government’s commitment to Halal certification aligns with broader regional efforts to tap into the growing demand for Halal products.
For instance, during a bilateral meeting in June 2023, Laos expressed interest in forging cooperation with Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) to obtain Halal certification for its products, aiming to develop the Halal industry in Laos.
Laos has taken a new step toward becoming a regional trade hub by leasing land for a new dry port next to the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
On 9 May, the Lao government signed an agreement to lease the land of 383,311 cubic meters to the local private company to build a new storage space.
This storage will be built in a village called Kuayoudom in the Paksan district. It will be right next to a new bridge between Laos’ Bolikhamxay province and Thailand’s Bueng Kan province, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The warehouse, places for trucks to unload, offices, and a shop have been built since 2023, now they are making it much bigger with more space for storing and moving goods.
The port is also located alongside Road No. 13, which has the highway project in the future, and a key route to connect Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to the planned dry port in Laksao, Khamkeut district, as well as to the proposed Vientiane–Vietnam highway project.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Laos-new-dryport-Bolikhamaxay.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-27 09:15:152025-05-15 09:16:36Laos Approves New Dry Port Project in Bolikhamxay
Laos Celebrates Its Ancient Tea Legacy on International Tea Day
Every year on 21 May, tea lovers across the globe raise their cups in celebration of International Tea Day, a nod to one of the oldest and most loved drinks in the world.
From Asia to Africa and the Americas, tea is more than just a beverage. It’s a tradition, comfort, and a shared experience across cultures.
Tea’s history stretches back thousands of years, beginning in ancient China. Over time, it spread across continents, shaping rituals in Japan, sparking revolutions in the West, and becoming a daily comfort for millions.
While the world often hears about the big tea players like China, India, and Sri Lanka, there’s a quieter, lesser-known tea story brewing in the mountains of the north Laos.
In Phongsaly Province, tea has grown for hundreds of years. The world’s oldest plantation, now 400 years old, reaches up to six meters in height, is located about 18km from Phongsaly Town, and carefully harvested by the Phunoy ethnic group, who have passed down their traditional techniques through generations.
The cool, misty mountains of northern Laos create ideal conditions for growing rich, organic tea. Handpicked and traditionally processed, Lao teas are popular across the region for their bold, earthy flavors and smooth finish.
In recent years, tea cultivation in Laos has expanded significantly. The majority, over 85 percent, is grown in northern provinces such as Phongsaly, Xiengkhouang, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Xayabouly, and Houaphanh. Southern provinces like Champasak and Xekong have also joined the movement.
Fresh tea leaves are primarily sold to local traders, around 80 percent of whom are Chinese, before being exported mainly to China’s Yunnan Province.
Smaller quantities also reach regional and European markets, including France and Germany.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/21/laos-celebrates-its-ancient-tea-legacy-on-international-tea-day/
Laos Launches Halal Certification Project to Boost Exports
Lao Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) Promotion Agency has initiated a project to enhance the productivity of local manufacturers to meet Halal certification standards for exports.
The project, titled “Development of Demonstration Companies Project for Enhancing Productivity for Halal Certification,” was officially launched by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaithong Kommasith, on 12 May.
The Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) has allocated USD 130,000 to fund this one-year initiative.
During the ceremony, Minister Kommasith emphasized that improved productivity strengthens production capacity, enhances competitiveness, and promotes business sustainability while creating jobs and fostering innovation across sectors.
The project has selected three manufacturers with export potential targeting Muslim markets: Veunkham Salt Company, Somxay Coffee Company, and Dao Heuang Group.
In recent years, the Lao government has been making efforts to support potential MSMEs in obtaining certification for international standards, including Halal, to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
Halal certification is crucial for products targeting Muslim consumers, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws and practices. The certification process involves rigorous standards for cleanliness, sourcing of raw materials, and ethical production practices.
The Lao government’s commitment to Halal certification aligns with broader regional efforts to tap into the growing demand for Halal products.
For instance, during a bilateral meeting in June 2023, Laos expressed interest in forging cooperation with Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) to obtain Halal certification for its products, aiming to develop the Halal industry in Laos.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/14/laos-launches-halal-certification-project-to-boost-exports/
Laos Approves New Dry Port Project in Bolikhamxay
Laos has taken a new step toward becoming a regional trade hub by leasing land for a new dry port next to the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
On 9 May, the Lao government signed an agreement to lease the land of 383,311 cubic meters to the local private company to build a new storage space.
This storage will be built in a village called Kuayoudom in the Paksan district. It will be right next to a new bridge between Laos’ Bolikhamxay province and Thailand’s Bueng Kan province, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The warehouse, places for trucks to unload, offices, and a shop have been built since 2023, now they are making it much bigger with more space for storing and moving goods.
The port is also located alongside Road No. 13, which has the highway project in the future, and a key route to connect Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to the planned dry port in Laksao, Khamkeut district, as well as to the proposed Vientiane–Vietnam highway project.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/14/laos-approves-new-dry-port-project-in-bolikhamxay/