2016年-世界发展银行全球_A_Comparative_Overview_of_the_Incidence_of_Non-Tariff_Measures_on_Trade_in_Lao_PDR_40页_1mb

Summary of "A Comparative Overview of the Incidence of Non-Tariff Measures on Trade in Lao PDR"

Core Content

This report provides an analysis of the incidence and impact of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) on trade in Lao PDR, with a focus on import flows. It examines how NTMs have evolved in Lao PDR following its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013 and compares them with other countries in the region and before WTO accession. The report also outlines policy recommendations to streamline NTMs and improve the trade environment.

Main Points

• Lao PDR's Trade Integration: As a small, land-linked, and commodity-dependent country, Lao PDR's economic growth is closely tied to its integration into the global economy. It has actively pursued regional and multilateral trade integration by signing the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) in 2010 and becoming a WTO member in 2013.

• NTMs Overview: Non-Tariff Measures are regulatory tools that affect international trade, including both technical and non-technical measures. They can increase trade costs but also provide valuable information for firms and enhance consumer welfare through product standards and labeling.

• Impact of NTMs: The current NTM framework in Lao PDR includes a costly and cumbersome import licensing system, which raises the time and cost of importing goods. Para-tariff fees, such as import licensing fees, stamp tax, and customs inspection fees, amounted to approximately US$211.5 million in 2014, equivalent to an ad-valorem tariff of 5.4%, well above regional and global averages.

• Sectoral Impacts: The report highlights that the costs of NTMs are particularly high in sectors that are important for domestic consumption, such as vegetable oil, processed food, and vegetables. These measures can negatively affect consumer welfare and encourage informal trade, especially among poorer households.

• Regulatory Challenges: Three main issues with the current NTM framework are identified:

  • Centralization of the licensing system in Vientiane, which burdens rural traders.
  • Lack of coordination between central authorities and border agencies, leading to delays and discretion.
  • Poor communication of internal procedures and timelines, resulting in unnecessary delays and informal payments.

• Data and Classification: The report uses the UNCTAD NTM classification system, which categorizes NTMs into 16 branches (A to P). The analysis is based on two waves of data collected in 2011 and 2014, using the Lao PDR Trade Portal as a source of information.

• Policy Recommendations:

  • Conduct a regulatory impact assessment of import licenses and their associated fees.
  • Review the frequency and manner of fee collection to reduce administrative burdens.
  • Focus on sectors where imports are vital for domestic consumption.
  • Ensure that the NTM Review Sub-Working Group (NRSWG) is legally established to facilitate policy reforms.

Key Information

• NTM Incidence:

  • Frequency Ratio: The percentage of product lines covered by at least one NTM decreased from 72% (2011) to 13% (2014).
  • Coverage Ratio: The share of total import value impacted by NTMs dropped from 83% to 42%.
  • Pervasiveness Score: The average number of NTMs per product fell from 2.6 to 0.4.

• NTM Types:

  • Technical Measures: Include Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
  • Non-Technical Measures: Include price controls, quantitative controls, and licensing requirements.

• Para-Tariff Charges: These account for 23% of imports by value and are often used to generate fiscal revenue, especially in developing countries with underdeveloped tax systems.

• Lao PDR Trade Portal: Launched in 2012, this platform centralizes trade regulations and procedures, increasing transparency and facilitating compliance. By 2015, all 370 measures were uploaded, with 226 classified as NTMs and 144 as national standards.

• International Comparisons: Lao PDR still applies non-technical measures more frequently than other ASEAN countries, indicating a legacy of centrally planned economic policies. However, technical measures have increased, reflecting a shift towards more modern regulatory approaches.

Conclusion

The report concludes that while Lao PDR has made progress in reducing the incidence of non-technical NTMs following WTO accession, the remaining framework remains costly and complex. Streamlining NTMs is essential to improve trade efficiency, reduce informal trade, and enhance consumer welfare. The report emphasizes the importance of institutional capacity and political support in achieving these reforms.