2010年-世界发展银行全球_Lao_Peoples_Democratic_Republic_-_Operational_Costs_of_Trade-Related_Sanitary_and_Phytosanitary_Activities_76页_1mb

Summary of "Operational Costs of Trade-Related Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities" in Lao PDR

Core Content

This report, prepared by the World Bank with support from the Lao PDR Trade Development Facility (a multi-donor trust fund), assesses the operational costs required to enhance the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) system in Lao PDR. It focuses on the need for sustained public funding to support surveillance, testing, and diagnostic activities that are essential for ensuring food safety, plant health, and animal health, which in turn support trade and economic development.

The report highlights that while initial investments and training have been made with donor assistance, operational expenses remain critical for the long-term sustainability of these capacities. It outlines a strategic approach to expanding SPS activities, emphasizing the importance of a consolidated national SPS laboratory and the need for a clear division of responsibilities among existing institutions.

Main Points

1. Importance of SPS Activities

• SPS measures are vital for protecting human, animal, and plant health and for ensuring market access.
• These activities involve monitoring and controlling pests, diseases, and harmful chemicals throughout the food supply chain.
• Effective SPS systems contribute to risk management, policymaking, and compliance with international trade standards.

2. Current Challenges

• The Lao PDR Government has made efforts to build SPS capacities, but major gaps remain in surveillance and diagnostic services.
• There is a need for improved information on the pest, disease, and food safety situation to meet the growing demands of trading partners.
• The current operational budget is very limited, estimated at about US $50,000 annually, and does not support the full range of required activities.

3. Recommended Institutional Arrangements

• A consolidated national SPS laboratory is proposed to achieve economies of scale.
• If consolidation is not feasible, a clear delineation of functions among the following institutions is recommended:
  • FDQCC (Food and Drug Quality Control Center): leads on food microbiology and food chemistry, including pesticide residues and mycotoxins.
  • PPC (Plant Protection Center): leads on heavy metals and pesticide composition and quality.
  • NAHC (National Animal Health Center): leads on veterinary drug residues, drug and vaccine quality, and animal and fish product safety.
• Coordination, information sharing, and clear procedures for sample submission, certificate issuance, and cost recovery are necessary.

4. Operational Cost Estimates

• The estimated annual operational budget for expanding SPS activities is about US $1 million (or 8.5 billion Kip).
• The breakdown is as follows:

• Over 68% of the total budget is allocated to animal health (and related food safety and human health protection), primarily for surveillance and diagnostics.
• Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) accounts for about half of the animal health budget.

5. Recommendations

• Expand public funding incrementally over five years, with annual increases of US$160,000.
• Prioritize the use of rapid test kits and subcontracting with laboratories in Thailand and Vietnam for confirmation testing.
• Increase the volume of testing to justify investments in equipment, staff, and accreditation.
• Consider long-term investments in laboratory equipment (e.g., HPLC, AAS, and other diagnostic tools) and facilities (e.g., post-entry quarantine lab at PPC).
• Develop a rolling annual plan to guide resource allocation and prioritize activities.

Key Requisites for Success

• Institutional and legislative framework: Must be in place or being developed to support SPS implementation.
• Volume of work: Sufficient sample collection is needed to maintain staff proficiency and utilize laboratory capacities.
• Human resources: A shortage of trained specialists, inspectors, and technicians requires a planned gradual increase in staffing.
• Information management: Establishing dedicated databases and staff for data management and analysis is essential to maximize the benefits of surveillance and testing.

Conclusion

This report underscores the critical need for sustainable public funding to support the operational costs of SPS activities in Lao PDR. It provides a detailed cost breakdown and strategic recommendations to enhance the country’s capacity in food safety, plant health, and animal health. The proposed incremental funding approach, along with the suggested institutional roles and use of rapid testing and subcontracting, aims to ensure that Lao PDR can meet international trade requirements and protect public and agricultural health effectively.