Petrova Olga , Khrabrova Irina

Laotian Coffee Industry: Features, Achievements and Prospects

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2026, №2(71), 258-274

 
Annotation: The article examines the development of the coffee industry in the Lao People's Democratic Republic as an important component of the country's agricultural sector. It covers the historical development of coffee production, the current state of the industry, and its development prospects. The article analyzes the geographic distribution of coffee plantations, the cultivation of the two main coffee varieties—Arabica and Robusta—and the role of the coffee industry in the Lao economy. Particular attention is paid to the organizational structure of the industry, including the activities of cooperatives and large companies. The impact of coffee production on the socioeconomic development of rural areas is examined, including in the context of opium poppy substitution. The problems and challenges facing the industry are considered, including the country's isolation from transport and the consequences of military conflicts. The paper presents statistical data on coffee production and export volumes and describes government support mechanisms for the industry. Particular attention is given to the development of the domestic market and coffee tourism as a promising area.

Keywords: Coffee industry, Lao People's Democratic Republic, agricultural sector, coffee cooperatives, coffee exports, Arabica, Robusta, organic farming, coffee tourism, economic development