The Bolaven Plateau of Laos, where the story begins, is a mountainous area in the south of the country that is known for its fertile soil and ideal conditions for growing coffee, tea, and other crops. The area has a long history of tea cultivation, and there are several ancient tea trees in the region that are hundreds of years old. However, as coffee became more popular in the area, many local villagers began to cut down the aging tea trees to make way for coffee planting. This threatened the survival of these centuries-old treasures and the unique flavors of Laotian tea that they produced.
Fortunately, several Chinese businessmen who were visiting the area discovered this situation and saw an opportunity to preserve the ancient tea trees and establish a tea company that could bring the unique flavors of Laotian tea to the global market. They formed the 36 Manor company, which quickly set to work harvesting tea leaves from the wild tea trees and developing its business in the area.
One of the unique aspects of the tea produced by the 36 Manor company is the natural conditions in which it is grown. Laos has a subtropical climate with high humidity, which is ideal for tea cultivation. The tea trees are grown without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and the leaves are hand-picked and processed to ensure the highest quality. The tea produced by the 36 Manor is mellow and fragrant, with a smooth and satisfying taste.
As the popularity of Laotian tea has grown in China, the 36 Manor has seen a significant increase in sales. Many Chinese buyers have come to the company’s booth at the China International Import Expo, where they can taste the tea and learn about the company’s unique story. The launch of the China-Laos Railway has also helped the company, as transportation costs have dropped significantly, making it easier to export tea to China and other countries.
However, the success of the 36 Manor company is not just about profit. The company has also worked to help the local community by hiring local staff and teaching villagers how to grow tea. In the early stages of the tea plantation, the company invited tea tree experts from Jiangxi province to guide local staff and tea farmers in the conservation of tea plantations. This has helped to create new jobs and economic opportunities in the area, and has also contributed to the preservation of Laotian culture.
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, has become an important driver of China’s foreign policy, especially in developing countries. The initiative aims to promote the construction of infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports, in countries along the old Silk Road trade routes. The China-Laos Railway is an example of this initiative, which has helped to promote cross-border trade and expand economic development cooperation between China and Laos. It has also reduced transportation costs for companies such as the 36 Manor, making it easier to export their products to China and other countries.
The benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative are not limited to the economic sphere. By promoting cultural exchange and cooperation, the initiative has also helped to strengthen China’s relationships with other countries. In the case of Laos, the collaboration between Chinese and Laotian businesses has helped to preserve a part of Laotian culture and bring it to the world. The success of the 36 Manor and other tea companies in Laos is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the story of the ancient tea trees of Laos and the efforts of the 36 Manor company and others to preserve them is a fascinating example of the intersection of international.