Thai-Lao Coffee Alliance Targets Russia and Europe as ASEAN-Russia Ties Mark 35 Years

PAKSONG, Champasak Province, Lao PDR - As ASEAN and Russia mark the 35th anniversary of their dialogue relations and seek to deepen economic cooperation, Thailand's M UNIFIED Co., Ltd. and Lao coffee producer CAT QUE LAO SOLE Co., Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term partnership in the production, processing and distribution of premium coffee from southern Laos.

The partnership aims to bring high-quality coffee from the renowned Bolaven Plateau in Paksong district, Champasak province, to markets in Thailand, the Russian Federation, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Europe, strengthening supply chain connectivity between ASEAN and Eurasian markets.

The agreement was signed on June 18, 2026, in Paksong, Champasak Province, Lao PDR, between Ms. Pinchayut Akkarakulsan, Managing Director of M UNIFIED Co., Ltd., representing the distributor, and Mr. Nguyen Duy Vinh , Deputy Director of CAT QUE LAO SOLE Co., Ltd., representing the producer.

Both parties said the cooperation is built on mutual trust, transparency and sustainable growth, with the shared objective of enhancing the value of Laos' coffee industry while creating new international business opportunities through closer links between producers and overseas markets.

Under the agreement, CAT QUE LAO SOLE Co., Ltd., whose production base is located on the world-famous Bolaven Plateau, will supply Arabica, Robusta and Excelsa coffee beans, as well as processed coffee products. M UNIFIED Co., Ltd. will serve as the sole and exclusive distributor and trade representative in Thailand, Russia, CIS countries and Europe.

The two companies expect annual trade volumes to reach between 3,000 and 5,000 metric tonnes, depending on market demand and production capacity, representing a significant step toward enhancing the global competitiveness of Lao coffee exports.

The agreement also outlines a flexible logistics strategy, including shipments through Thailand's Laem Chabang Port, overland transportation via the Paksong-Pakse corridor, and studies on utilizing rail connections linking China and Russia. These measures are expected to improve distribution efficiency, reduce logistics costs and support future market expansion.

In addition, both sides agreed to cooperate on market stabilization, exchange market intelligence and jointly develop new coffee products and varieties. The arrangement also provides M UNIFIED with priority rights to consider future products and innovations developed by the producer.

The cooperation comes at a time when ASEAN and Russia are seeking to expand collaboration in trade, investment, food security and regional supply chains as they commemorate 35 years of dialogue relations. Coffee is increasingly viewed as a high-value agricultural commodity with strong growth potential in international consumer markets.

Paksong district in Champasak province is widely regarded as the heart of Laos' coffee industry. Situated on the fertile Bolaven Plateau, the region benefits from ideal altitude, climate and volcanic soil conditions, producing coffee internationally recognized for its quality, distinctive aroma and unique flavor profile. Coffee has become one of Lao PDR's most important agricultural exports and a key source of income for communities in southern Laos.

Beyond commercial interests, the agreement is expected to strengthen the coffee value chain across the Greater Mekong Subregion, create new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, and contribute to deeper economic connectivity between Thailand, Laos, ASEAN and the Russian market. The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to sustainable growth and the long-term development of the regional coffee industry.

• ข่าวo:member
• ข่าวo:bus
• ข่าวo:loc
• ข่าวen