2016年-世界发展银行全球_The_Lao_Trade_Story___Implementing_Trade_Policy_and_Trade_Facilitation_Reforms_in_Lao_PDR_39页_10mb

Summary of the Lao Trade Story

Core Content

The Lao Trade Story documents the transformation of Lao PDR (Lao) from one of the poorest countries in the world in 1998 to a more open and integrated economy by 2015. This evolution was driven by a combination of political will, donor support, and a focused strategy on trade policy reform and trade facilitation. The country's journey highlights the challenges of transitioning from a planned to a market economy, the importance of international engagement, and the role of institutional coordination in fostering economic growth and competitiveness.

Main Points

• Economic Background (1998):
  Lao PDR was a poor, landlocked country with minimal infrastructure and a weak regulatory framework. The economy was largely closed, with limited integration into regional and global trade systems. A significant portion of the population lived in poverty, and the government was hesitant to embrace private sector development.

• Trade Reform Initiation (2004–2006):
  The government, recognizing the need for modernization, prioritized WTO accession as a catalyst for trade reform. This led to the establishment of the Integrated Framework (IF) process, supported by Australia and the European Union. The World Bank played a key role in coordinating trade-related ministries and conducting the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS).

• National Trade Facilitation Strategy (2011):
  The creation of the National Trade Facilitation Secretariat (NTFS) marked a major step in improving inter-agency coordination. The NTFS was instrumental in streamlining procedures and building consensus among stakeholders, including the private sector.

• Lao Trade Portal (2012):
  The Lao Trade Portal (LTP) was launched in 2012 to increase transparency and accessibility of trade regulations. It significantly reduced the time and effort required for traders to comply with procedures and improved voluntary compliance.

• Customs Reforms (2005–2015):
  Customs operations were modernized through the adoption of ASYCUDA, an automated system that streamlined procedures and improved efficiency. By 2015, 95% of customs procedures were automated, with a marked reduction in border clearance times.

• Labour and Manufacturing Development (2011):
  The garment manufacturing sector was identified as a key source of employment. To address productivity issues, the Garment Skills Development Centre (GSC) was established to provide training and capacity building for workers and supervisors.

• Sustainability and Ownership (2011–2015):
  The Lao government took ownership of the trade reform process by conducting its own DTIS and developing a national program for trade and private sector development. This marked a significant step in the country's ability to self-sustain its reform agenda.

• Second Trade Development Facility (TDF-2):
  Funded by multiple donors, including the World Bank, TDF-2 aimed to support the post-WTO accession agenda. It focused on enhancing the private sector, improving productivity, and promoting women's economic empowerment through initiatives like the Business Assistance Facility (BAF).

• Leadership and Institutional Capacity:
  The Lao trade program was led by a strong and dynamic leadership team, including Dr. Nam Viyaket and Madame Rhemmani. Their leadership style, which combined hands-off support with active engagement, helped build a network of trade experts and fostered a culture of reform within the government.

Key Information

• WTO Accession: Achieved in 2015 after 15 years of negotiations, marking a major milestone in Lao's integration into the global economy.
• Donor Support: Australia and the European Union contributed $8 million to the initial TDF, and later, TDF-2 received $14 million in contributions from various donors.
• DTIS: Conducted twice, the first under the IF and the second as a government-led initiative, to identify and address trade-related constraints.
• NTFS: A critical institution for coordinating trade reforms, ensuring inter-agency cooperation and alignment with WTO and ASEAN commitments.
• LTP Impact: Increased transparency and reduced compliance costs for traders, with over 406,000 visits recorded since its launch in 2012.
• Customs Modernization: ASYCUDA adoption led to 95% automation, reducing average border clearance time from 17.9 hours in 2009 to 11.2 hours in 2012.
• GSC Achievements: Improved productivity by 18% among targeted production lines through training and development programs.
• TDF-2 Focus: Shifted from pre- to post-WTO accession, emphasizing private sector development, skills enhancement, and inclusivity.

Conclusion

The Lao trade reform story is a testament to the power of strategic international engagement, institutional coordination, and political commitment. Despite initial challenges and a lack of capacity, the country successfully implemented a series of reforms that transformed its trade environment, increased transparency, and improved competitiveness. These efforts not only helped Lao PDR graduate from LDC status but also served as a model for other developing countries seeking to integrate into the global economy.