The International Tea Day celebration took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York on May 21, gathering representatives from various UN agencies and member states, including leading tea-producing and consuming countries worldwide.

Speakers and delegates discussed the important role of tea in global culture, economy, and daily life, as well as the contributions of tea production to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, sustainable employment, environmental protection, and climate change response.

At the celebration, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN said that for Vietnam and many other nations, tea is not only deeply rooted in traditional culture but also plays a vital role in economic growth, trade, and efforts toward sustainable development goals.

Tea provides livelihoods, employment, and income for many rural people and poor households. Sustainable tea farming and production can help maintain biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To maximize tea’s potential and its contribution to sustainable development, increased investment is needed to support small businesses, promote inclusive business models, ensure good working conditions, and maintain environmental sustainability throughout the value chain.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang shared that Vietnam is among the top five tea exporters globally, primarily exporting black, green, and scented teas to more than 70 countries worldwide. Domestically, tea generates significant revenue and contributes substantially to socio-economic development. Many tea farms also attract tourists interested in exploring Vietnamese culture.

Currently, Vietnam’s tea sector prioritizes sustainable production and consumption, applying scientific and technological advances in cultivation and processing.

Giang stressed that International Tea Day is not only an occasion for countries to share traditional values but also a chance to enhance cross-border connections and speed up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring that the benefits of tea are shared fairly and sustainably.

Vietnam ranks fifth in the world in tea exports

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Pakistan represents Vietnam's largest tea export market in first half

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