On July 16, Champasak Province formalized a land concession agreement with Lao-Viet Agriculture Company Limited. The venture involves cultivating coffee, durian, and blueberries over 50.4 hectares in Nonglear village, Pakxong district.
The investment of US$3 million comes entirely from Vietnamese backers. After conducting a land survey, investors opted for Pakxong due to its climate and volcanic soil, which are conducive to cultivating durian and blueberries.
Lao-Viet Agriculture plans to implement modern and eco-friendly agricultural methods to cater to local and regional markets. The company intends to collaborate with local residents, providing jobs and training to enhance farming skills. Officials anticipate the project will bolster local development and environmental conservation.
Laos is focusing on high-value crops like durian and blueberries to augment farmer incomes and penetrate burgeoning export markets. Blueberries, once uncommon in Laos, are gaining traction in Pakxong following an ambitious initiative by Australia's Costa Group. This enterprise introduced modern techniques, such as protective tunnels and drip irrigation, to enhance yield and plant health.
In parallel, durian cultivation sees growth, driven by increasing demand in China. Known as the "king of fruits," durian is now a sought-after export. The Laos-China Railway's recent launch has enhanced export logistics, facilitating more prompt and efficient durian deliveries to overseas markets.
Source: The Laotian Times
