Vientiane: The Lao government has been working to boost its presence in the global cassava market through increased crop yields, upgraded processing facilities, and expanded export opportunities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the government emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, investment incentives, and streamlined trade facilitation to unlock the full potential of the cassava sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry highlighted these strategies on Tuesday as key to enhancing the country's competitive edge in the international market.

Cassava has been becoming more popular among Lao farmers due to its higher yields and strong market demand. In 2024, Laos cultivated over 295,000 hectares of cassava, producing 7.4 million tons. This increased production is supported by the 22 cassava processing factories across the country, which have an annual production capacity of 1 million tons of tapioca.

In 2024, Laos exported 2.4 million tons of cassava, generating over 440 million U.S. dollars in revenue. The government's focus on improving infrastructure and facilitating trade is expected to further increase these figures in the coming years, positioning Laos as a significant player in the global cassava market.