Boosting investment in Lai Chau ginseng

Lai Chau ginseng - a species that is especially rare in Vietnam and the world - is endemic to northern mountainous Lai Chau province. Investment in the sustainable development of the herb is of interest to ministries, branches, and specialised agencies.

A conference on investment promotion and development of Lai Chau ginseng was held in the province recently to bring the superior product to international markets.

Ginseng is a typical herb in Lai Chau, found at a height of 1,400-2,200 metres above sea level.

Initial research shows that it has a very high Saponin content, of up to 21.34%. In particular, it contains a high proportion of anti-cancer active ingredients.

However, to be able to penetrate markets and reach out to the world, companies involved with Lai Chau ginseng need support from leading countries in ginseng processing and production, such the Republic of Korea, to be able to create competitive products and win the hearts of domestic and foreign customers.

The conference aimed to promote the potential and strengths of ginseng development and policies to encourage investment in the industry and to provide investors with opportunities to cooperate with local farmers.

A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in and the development of Lai Chau ginseng was signed between the locality and enterprises investing in developing the herb in the area. 

Lai Chau currently has 38,000 hectares of area suitable for ginseng farming and has developed more than 100 hectares of ginseng farms in Muong Te, Sin Ho, Phong Tho, and Tam Duong districts./.

VNA