2017年-世界发展银行全球_The_Regulation_of_Agriculture_in_Developing_East_Asia_10页_632kb

Summary of "The Regulation of Agriculture in Developing East Asia"

Core Content

This document explores the role of agriculture in the economic development and poverty reduction of East Asian countries, emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks in shaping the sector's performance and contribution to broader economic goals.

Main Views and Key Information

Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction

• East Asian countries have experienced significant economic growth and poverty reduction over the past four decades.
• Poverty rates in East Asia dropped from 38% in the 1980s to 11% on average in the 2000s.
• China and Indonesia saw the most substantial declines in poverty, with China reducing it by 62% and Indonesia by 49%.
• Agricultural growth has been a key driver of poverty reduction, especially in rural areas, with greater poverty reduction effects than industrial or service sector growth.

Structural Change in Agriculture

• As economies developed, agriculture's share of GDP declined, but it remained crucial for rural poverty reduction.
• Countries are generally in a "transforming" phase where agriculture's role in growth is decreasing, but its importance in poverty reduction persists.
• There is a mismatch between agriculture's share of GDP and employment, leading to persistent rural poverty and widening rural-urban income gaps.

Role of Regulation

• Regulation is a critical component of the business environment, affecting costs, risks, and competition in the agricultural value chain.
• The World Bank's Enabling the Business of Agriculture (EBA) project evaluates regulatory practices across various domains, including input markets, access to finance, transport, and ICT.

Regulatory Performance in East Asia

• East Asian countries generally perform better in efficiency indicators than in legal indicators.
• Vietnam shows the most supportive agribusiness regulation, while Myanmar has the least.
• Fertilizer regulation is relatively strong across the region, but seed systems are poorly regulated.

Key Agricultural Inputs and Regulations

• Fertilizer: Vietnam has a highly efficient fertilizer registration system, with a 15-day process and no time limit on registration validity. In contrast, other countries have shorter validity periods and less comprehensive legal frameworks.
• Seed Systems: Private sector participation in seed development is limited, with only the Philippines and Vietnam allowing private seed companies to be involved in certification activities.
• Agricultural Machinery: Vietnam and the Philippines have better regulations on machinery standards and import procedures, while Lao PDR and Myanmar lack such regulations.
• Water Allocation: Vietnam and the Philippines have advanced water permit systems, allowing transfers among farmers. Thailand and Myanmar do not regulate water use permits, increasing the risk of water scarcity.

Access to Markets and Finance

• Access to agricultural markets and finance remains weak in East Asia, with limited regulatory support.
• Microfinance institutions are critical for rural finance, but deposit-taking microfinance is not allowed in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
• Agent banking and warehouse receipts are not regulated in several countries, limiting their potential to support farmers.

Transport and ICT

• Efficient transport is essential for agricultural trade. Vietnam is the only country in the region that allows foreign trucks and has no cross-border license quota.
• ICT access in rural areas is limited, with no country in East Asia adopting general authorization for mobile operators. Vietnam has more effective ICT regulation due to predictable licensing and spectrum trading.

Conclusion

• Agriculture has been a vital driver of economic growth and poverty reduction in East Asia, particularly in the early stages of development.
• As countries urbanize, the composition of food expenditure shifts, creating new trade opportunities.
• Effective regulation is essential for supporting agribusinesses and ensuring that agriculture continues to contribute to development and poverty reduction.
• Regulatory reforms are needed to address gaps in seed systems, financial services, and market access, particularly in countries like Myanmar and Lao PDR.

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