TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s tea experts are helping Vietnam shake off its old image for cheap leaves as more local companies bring their machines, skills, and safety checks into the country.

CNA reported Friday that Taiwan companies showed their know-how to help growers raise quality and reach new buyers during Cafe Show Hanoi. The expo takes place from Wednesday to Saturday at the Vietnam Exposition Center.

Taiwan company Casa said Vietnam has huge tea fields, but many growers used to focus only on low prices. Casa Vice President Wu Yu-an (吳育安) said they stepped in to guide farmers on cutting chemicals and running tests through Taiwanese laboratories.

Wu added that they also brought in Taiwan-made machines and showed farmers how to pick and roll leaves in the most effective way. Wu said they often travel up the mountains to work side by side with growers.

Economic Daily News said Vietnam’s high-altitude tea and old tea trees have strong potential. Many farms are now switching to organic methods and selling to Europe and the US at higher prices.

Tsai Yu-chieh (蔡宇傑), founder of the Pure Tea House, said Taiwan has trained tea workers since the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945) and later pushed new trends like high-mountain oolong. Tsai said Taiwan brands moved some production to Vietnam in the 1980s and brought seeds, machines, and factory systems with them.

Tsai said Taiwan and Vietnam now rely on each other, as Taiwan companies look for new land while Vietnam wants better skills. He added that many Vietnamese companies still hire Taiwanese advisers to guide production.