Participants post at the Green CUP Project Annual Technical Steering Committee Meeting in Vientiane.

Green CUP project meeting sets path for sustainable coffee and tea sector in Laos

The Green CUP Project, Enhanced Green Economy through a Quality, Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Value Chain, held its Annual Technical Steering Committee Meeting yesterday (February 10) in Vientiane to set a path for sustainable coffee and tea in Laos.
Following the project’s official launch in December 2024 in Bokeo province and the TICAF Steering Management Committee in May 2025, this meeting marked the first Green CUP project Technical Steering Committee Meeting. Over 80 participants attended to review the project’s achievements in 2025, the remaining challenges and endorse the project activities and work plan for 2026.
Funded by Team Europe, notably the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Union, Green CUP supports the development of sustainable coffee and tea value chains, notably in northern Laos. The project targets between 3,000 and 4,000 coffee and tea smallholders households, benefiting up to 25,000 people. The project promotes climate-resilient production, improved governance, and inclusive economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth.

The meeting was co-chaired by Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Mr Bounchanh Kombounyasith, AFD Country Director to Laos, Mr François-Xavier DUPORGE, and Head of Cooperation of the European Union to Laos, Ms Veerle SMET.
In his opening remarks, Mr Bounchanh Kombounyasith emphasised “Through close cooperation with development partners, particularly AFD and the European Union, the Government of Laos is strengthening sustainable and climate-resilient coffee and tea value chains that improve farmers’ livelihoods while protecting natural resources.”
AFD Country Director Mr François-Xavier DUPORGE underscored in his opening remark that “Green CUP project represents the success of over 30 years of partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Together with the EU Delegation, this project reaffirms our joint commitment to building “a Pathway to a Green and Inclusive Economy”, ensuring that Laos’ coffee and tea sectors grow sustainably and contribute to the national strategy of a “Self-reliant and Resilient Economy”, as outlined in the 10th NSEDP”.
Head of Cooperation of the EU, Ms Veerle SMET, highlighted that “coffee and tea are strategic value chains for Laos, essential to sustainable growth, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. Through Green CUP, Team Europe and its partners are strengthening traceable, competitive, and sustainable value chains that enhance market access, reinforce national ownership, and create lasting economic opportunities for producers – in line with the EU Global Gateway strategy.”
During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening coordination among implementing partners and set the Direction to ensure effective project delivery.
The meeting concluded with the endorsement of the 2026 work plan and budget, a roadmap to reinforce the project coordination, as well as a shared direction for advancing a green, climate-resilient, and inclusive economy that improves livelihoods and strengthens export competitiveness in northern provinces.
About the Green CUP Project: The Enhanced Green Economy Through a Quality, Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Value Chain (Green CUP) Project is one of the Team Europe interventions co-funded by the French Agency for Development  (AFD) and the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR under the #TeamEuropeinitiative, supporting more than 3,000 households across Laos to build inclusive, climate-resilient coffee and tea value chains.
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, improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update February 11, 2026)