StarbucksIt said on Monday that it plans to enter the Lao market and open its first store next summer in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, as part of its expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Starbucks said in a statement that it plans to use its global scale to have a positive impact and create employment opportunities in this landlocked country bordering Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.

Starbucks stores in Laos will be operated by Coffee Concepts, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Maxim's Caterers (Maxim's Caterers). Wu Weiguo, Chairman and Managing Director of Maxim Group, said, “We are delighted to introduce the Starbucks brand to Laos. This will further strengthen our 20-year partnership with Starbucks and develop the coffee industry across Asia.”