Resource information
Lao People's Democratic Republic
(PDR) is making effort to integrate itself into the regional
and international economy. It is seeking membership in the
World Trade Organization (WTO); participating in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); the ASEAN
free trade agreement (AFTA), and the Greater Mekong
Subregion (GMS); and working to attract foreign investment
and to expand its foreign trade. In recent years Lao PDR has
been successful in rapidly expanding its export and import
of agricultural food, and forestry products. Most trade is
with neighboring China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Improved
infrastructure in the GMS and availability of good land in
Lao PDR offers potential for further growth of agricultural
production and exports. Commercialization of agriculture
will lead to further import of seed, planting material,
breeding stock, pesticides, veterinary drugs, fertilizer,
and animal seed. Further increases in income and changes in
consumer demand will lead to greater imports of consumer
goods. Increased foreign trade raises exposure to risks of
also importing animal and plant pests and diseases, and
foods that are unsuitable for consumption. Import of seeds,
planting material, breeding stock, pesticides, and
veterinary drugs pose particularly increased risks. Lao PDR
needs in general to strengthen protection against an influx
of pests and diseases, and to assure safety of food, that
is, to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
