Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – A 17-hectare blueberry farm invested in by an Australian company has opened in Basong District, Champasak Province, southern Vietnam, with plans to expand to 200 hectares within the next five years, creating approximately 2,000 jobs.
According to a press release from the Australian Embassy in Laos, Champasak Provincial Governor Arunxay Sonnarath and Australian Ambassador to Laos Megan Jones attended the opening ceremony of the farm, located on the Bolaven Plateau.
This project represents a significant investment by Costa Group, a major supplier to Australia's largest horticulture company and food retailer.
This new farm, one of the largest berry cultivation projects in Laos, will play a vital role in boosting the country's economic development. It will introduce sustainable agricultural practices from Australia, helping to increase productivity and promote the long-term growth of the industry.
Ambassador Jones stated at the opening ceremony that this investment underscores the importance of agriculture as a crucial pillar of economic development.
“This farm demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to Laos' economic prosperity,” she said.
Agriculture is central to Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040, with investments aimed at strengthening food production and rural employment.
During the visit, Ambassador Jones also attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Champasak Provincial Health Department and the Lao Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAS Laos) under the framework of a transnational partnership to eliminate HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
This trilateral partnership between Australia, Laos, and Vietnam is part of the Australian Regional Health Initiative Partnership.
Australia will provide A$2.9 million in funding to support CHIAS (Laos), the Community Health Research and Development Centre (Vietnam), and Lighthouse Social Enterprise (Vietnam) in strengthening local health systems.
The initiative will support efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in eight districts of Champasak Province and Dien Bien Province in northern Vietnam.
Ambassador Jones said, “Through our partnership, we are supporting the Champasak Provincial Health Department in raising awareness, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring faster access to treatment for those who need it most.”
