Chura Lao Project

Co-op Okinawa launched the Laos Project in 2013 with the aim to support the establishment of the first co-operative centered on female residents in Xai Village, Attapeu Province in Laos, one of the poorest countries in Asia. It started with the desire that local residents could work together to create a sustainable community by themselves. The project members of Co-op Okinawa have passed on their experience and know-how on the management of co-operatives, the production of Lao-Lao (Laos rice whiskey), marketing, etc. to the female residents. In addition, Lao-Lao, which is a traditional local whiskey of Laos, was branded in Japan as "Chura Lao" (Chura is 'beautiful' in the Okinawan dialect) to promote joint production and sales. In addition, following the flood damage that occurred in Laos in 2018, a kindergarten was built in Attapeu Province with donations of more than 4 million yen gathered by the members of Co-op Okinawa and Okinawan high school students. Project Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbQ3VZB5QyQ