Lao company markets coffee in Vietnam

The deal comes as part of a co-operation programme between HCM City and Champasak province in Laos.

Dao-Heuang exports its Dao Coffee to many countries like Japan, Switzerland, Italy, China, and Singapore.

It will now, in turn, distribute Blue Star's confectionery and other products in Laos.

Leuang Litdang, chairwoman of Dao-Heuang Group, said her company plans to tie up with Vietnamese partners to expand its business and production in Vietnam.

If the plan succeeds, it will be the first Lao company to invest in Vietnam.

Since setting up the co-operation programme in 2001, HCM City and Champasak have achieved solid results, with HCM City investors starting nearly 40 projects in the Lao province, most of them in agro-forestry, industry, and tourism.

This has made Vietnam the biggest investor in Champasak.

Trade and economic ties between Vietnam and Laos have grown strongly this year.