French Ambassador to Lao PDR, Ms Benedicte DESCHAMPS during a courtesy visit to the vice-chairperson of Provincial Administrative Committee of Phongsaly, Mr Phonexay Onsa.

High-level mission highlights strong progress in northern Laos’ ancient tea and sustainable coffee value chains

Phongsaly, December 8, 2025 – the officials of Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the European Union and France officially conducted a 5-day supervision mission for the “Enhanced Green Economy through a Quality, Climate-resilient and Inclusive Value Chain Project - Green CUP”.
The mission was joined by Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Mr Bounsu SOUDMALY, Ambassador of France to the Lao PDR, Ms Benedicte DESCHAMPS, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, Ms Veerle SMET and the Green Cup project team.
During the mission, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chairperson of Provincial Administrative Committee of Phongsaly, Mr Phonexay ONSA, to reaffirm strong cooperation and shared commitment to the sector’s development. The mission also visited Nyot Ou and Komaen Tea Cooperatives and Somnuek Laothang Tea Factory in Phongsaly and some other coffee initiatives in Oudomxay and Phongsaly provinces, where the delegation observed significant progress among local producers—including a shift toward organic and agro-ecological practices, stronger climate-resilient and inclusive value chains, and the successful export of high-quality Lao tea to European markets.
The France Ambassador Ms Benedicte DESCHAMPS highlighted that “Today’s visit is an important moment for the Team Europe partnership and the France’s commitment in the province. We are visiting the Green CUP project, and to share our joint ambitions for the development of the tea sector in Phongsaly.” She added “The ancient tea grown in the forests of Phongsaly Province is cultural heritage and an economic asset.
The vice-chairperson of Provincial Administrative Committee of Phongsaly,  Mr Phonexay Onsa, stated that “The French Government has been providing support and assistance to the Lao PDR in many areas. All of this has played an important role in the socio-economic development of the country, including efforts to alleviate poverty among the people of Phongsaly Province. Therefore, on behalf of the Provincial Administrative Committee, provincial authorities, and the people of Phongsaly, I would like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the French Government and the people of France on this occasion.”
The Enhanced Green Economy Through a Quality, Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Value Chain (Green CUP) Project remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting provinces, cooperatives, and farming households to build climate-resilient, high-quality agricultural value chains that promote market access and equitable growth, ensuring a sustainable trajectory for Northern Laos.
About the Green CUP Project:
The project, one of two flagship projects under the umbrella of “Global Gateway Team Europe Partnership with Lao PDR to increase sustainable and inclusive Trade, Investment and Connectivity in the Agriculture and Forestry sectors – TICAF programme” launched on March 14, 2024. Green CUP seeks to bolster trade and investment in the green economy for coffee and tea sectors through agro-ecological community-based action, climate-resilient and inclusive value chains, and access to sustainable and high-value markets, notably European market.
EU Global Gateway: This is the new strategy of the EU, that was initiated in 2021. It stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet. It helps to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change, to improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains.
For more information about the Team Europe strategy, please refer to the summarised document:https://issuu.com/euinlaopdr/docs/team_europe_strategy_2021-2025_summary
Team Europe in Laos:
Based on the success of the “European Joint Programming for Lao PDR 2016-2020”, European Partners (EU, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland) adopted their “Team Europe Strategy in the Lao PDR 2021-2025”.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update December 19, 2025)