Celebrating Lao Coffee and Promoting Safe Work in the Value Chain

Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Lao PDR – International Coffee Day is back and bigger than ever! This year's theme is to promote the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the coffee supply chain. International Coffee Day was celebrated in Vientiane from 29 September to 1 October 2023 and in the ancient heritage town of Luang Prabang from 27 to 29 October 2023.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Siv-Leng Chhuor, Ambassador of France to Lao PDR emphasized the importance of respect for workers and decent work in the coffee value chains. "The coffee sector in Lao PDR relies on more than 20,000 producers, the majority of whom are family producers. Workers still face vulnerable employment and lack social protection."

Coffee farmers and processors frequently suffer from injuries and diseases from snake and insect bites, lifting heavy bags, and exposure to pesticides. They are also mostly informal—working without employment contracts and likely to face labour violations and harassment at work.

Ms. Ina Marčiulionytė, European Union Ambassador to Lao PDR expressed her appreciation that the event supports responsible businesses and decent work in supply chains and complements European engagement in agriculture, forestry and fair trade. “The European Union aims to support the development of sustainable agriculture value chains, especially those based on organic production and fair trade.”

Mr. Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry officially opened the event. “Lao PDR has been commemorating International Coffee Day every year since 2018. Our purpose is to promote coffee production to benefit both the local community and the international market.”

The International Coffee Day event brought together coffee enthusiasts, businesses, development partners, and consumers to celebrate their love for coffee and raise awareness about sustainable development. Visitors explored the rich flavours and aromas of Lao specialty coffee and participated in interactive sessions, while building meaningful connections within the coffee community. The event also promoted awareness of green growth, facilitated interprofessional dialogue and solutions, and contributed to tourism.

The European Union-funded SOLAR Project promoted awareness of safe working conditions and rights of coffee farmers and processors during the event days. The International Coffee Day 2023 activities were supported by donors and development partners (French Embassy, European Union Delegation, ILO, International Trade Centre, UK Aid, Winrock International, and Oxfam) and the private sector (Lao Coffee Association, Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative, Lao Slow Bar, and Coffee-Fix), among others.