The meeting chairpersons and participants post during the meeting.

Team Europe and Laos advance sustainable coffee, tea and forest-based value chains

The Government of Laos and the TICAF Team Europe partners, namely, the European Union, France, Germany, and the European Investment Bank, convened the first Steering Committee Meeting of the TICAF programme on May 26 in Vientiane, reaffirming their commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and forestry in Laos.
TICAF—Team Europe Partnership with the Lao PDR for Inclusive and Sustainable Trade, Investment and Connectivity in Agriculture and Forestry—is a flagship initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
Following the programme’s launch in March 2024 by then European Commissioner for International Partnerships JuttaUrpilainen, this first high-level Steering Committee meeting brought together key partners to review progress, coordinate implementation, and align on shared priorities.
TICAF was selected by EU Member States as a flagship initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which focuses on promoting sustainable infrastructure, trade, and development partnerships around the world.

(From left to right) Mr Alain Perrier, Mr Mark Gallagher, Dr Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Ms Nicole Stechmann.

The programme aims to develop sustainable and inclusive value chains for coffee, tea, and forest-based products, which are among Laos’ main exports to the European Union. To strengthen market integration and improve trade opportunities, TICAF also supports better connectivity to national, regional, and global markets—notably through the rehabilitation of National Road 2, a key trade corridor linking Laos with Thailand and Vietnam.
With a blended finance envelope of approximately €284 million, co-financed by the EU, France, Germany, and the European Investment Bank—and complemented by support from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and other partners—TICAF is helping boost productivity, promote sustainable forest and land use, and conserve natural resources. A new programm ecomponent on labour rights and social protection will be added to enhance inclusivity.
The Steering Committee brought together more than 60 participants from government ministries, Team Europe institutions, implementing agencies, and provincial authorities. The co-chairs of the meeting were Dr  ChanthakhoneBoualaphanh Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, MrMark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Laos, Mr Alain Perrier, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., French Embassy and Ms Nicole Stechmann, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., German Embassy.
In his opening remarks, Dr Chanthakhone Boualaphanh emphasised the importance of TICAF in supporting Laos’ green development goals: “On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, I express my deep gratitude to Team Europe for their collaboration in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in our agriculture and forestry sectors.”
EU Ambassador Mark Gallagher highlighted the integrated approach to partnership: “To ensure coherence and added value, Team Europe has adopted a 360-degree approach. TICAF is complemented by other Team Europe-supported initiatives—such as trade and business facilitation, basic education and skills development and governance. This coordinated strategy is shaping a stronger, greener, and more resilient Lao economy.”
Mr Alain Perrier underscored France’s support through the Green CUP project, which focuses on quality improvement, research, and capacity development: “Agriculture and the agroecological transition are areas of expertise and strong commitments for France in Laos and will remain so in the years to come. The Green CUP project will allow coffee and tea to grow sustainably and contribute to the national path towards a “Self-reliant economy”, as stated in the recently amended constitution of Laos. It will articulate through three strategic axes: continuous improvement of product quality throughout the value chain, “from farm to cup’’; development of national expertise and worker skills to ensure long-term implementation; improving product competitiveness and visibility to increase sales abroad” said Mr Alain Perrier, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of France in Laos.
Ms Nicole Stechmann, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the German Embassy to Laos, stated: “Germany is proud to partner with the EU in the flagship program of the Global Gateway Strategy, within the Team Europe Partnership with Laos, to increase sustainable and inclusive trade, investment, and connectivity in the agriculture and forestry sectors. We are resolute in our belief that through our robust and collaborative partnership, we will not only witness but actively co-create a future where Laos’ magnificent forests thrive, yielding enduring benefits for its people, its biodiversity, and our shared global environment.”
An exhibition displaying local coffee, tea, and timber products offered a tangible link to community-level impact, reinforcing TICAF’s inclusive and participatory ethos.
The session concluded with a united commitment to advancing green, inclusive, and sustainable development in the Laos’ agriculture and forestry sectors - helping to improve incomes, enhance value chains, and protect natural resources for future generations.
EU Global Gateway 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, to improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 28, 2025)