Australian-funded blueberry farm takes root in Champassak

A 17-hectare blueberry farm, invested by an Australian firm, has opened in Pakxong district, southern Champassak province, with plans to expand to 200 hectares over the next five years, creating about 2,000 jobs.

Lao and Australian officials attend the opening ceremony of the Costa Berry Laos blueberry farm in Pakxong district, Champassak province.      --Photo Australian Embassy

The Governor of Champassak province, Mr Alounxay Sounnalath, and the Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, attended the opening ceremony of the farm, which is located on the Bolaven Plateau, according to a press release from the Australian Embassy to Laos.
The project is a major investment by the Costa Group, Australia’s largest horticultural company and a key supplier to food retailers.
The new farm is among the largest berry cultivation projects in Laos and will play an important role in boosting the Lao economy. It will introduce sustainable agricultural practices from Australia, helping to improve productivity and promote long-term growth in the sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Jones said the investment highlights the importance of agriculture as a key pillar of economic development.
“This farm stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic prosperity in Laos,” she said.
Agriculture is central to Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, with investments aimed at strengthening food production and rural employment.
During her visit, Ambassador Jones also attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Champassak Provincial Health Department and the Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAS Laos) under the Intercountry Partnership for Ending AIDS and Tuberculosis.
This trilateral partnership between Australia, Laos and Vietnam is part of Australia’s Partnership for a Healthy Region Initiative.
Australia is providing AUD2.9 million in funding to support CHIAS (Laos), the Centre for Community Health Research and Development (Vietnam), and Lighthouse Social Enterprises (Vietnam) to strengthen local health systems.
The initiative will support efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in eight districts of Champassak province and in Dien Bien province in northern Vietnam.
“Through our partnership, we are supporting the Champassak Provincial Health Department to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis, and ensure faster access to treatment for those who need it most,” Ambassador Jones said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 4, 2025)