Import and export procedures for agricultural produce to be improved

Import and export procedures for agricultural produce to be improved

Laos is improving its agricultural import and export procedures with help from neighbouring countries and international organisations.

Currently, the system is limited by a lack of technical staff, laboratories, and funding to efficiently operate at regional level.

To solve the problem, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, especially the Agriculture Department, is cooperating with neighbouring countries to build up the number of trained agricultural staff.

The department has also asked for assistance and funding from the government and international organisations to implement the agriculture development projects, the department Director General Dr Monthathip Chanphengxay said.

On Friday, Thai agricultural experts were invited to educate Lao staff on rules and conditions related to agricultural imports and exports under the World Trade Organisation's Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.

This workshop was attended by officials and technical staff from different relevant sectors, including agriculture and forestry, industry and commerce, and public works and transport.

“As we know, Laos has received income from agricultural product exports which accounts for about 68 percent of the agriculture and forestry's gross domestic product (GDP),” said Dr Monthathip.

Currently, the country has cooperated on investment and commerce with more than 50 other countries around the world, most within the ASEAN Free Trade Area. Laos will soon be a WTO member, so the lessons are important for staff to learn and understand for trading at international level.

The lessons include the laws, rules, conditions and measures of agricultural imports and exports into and out of Thailand.

Laos already has laws and rules regarding plants, but they are not yet implemented efficiently and strictly, Dr Monthathip explained.

After the workshop is complete, the information will be passed on to entrepreneurs around the country for implementation.

In the past, however, the department has successfully provided technical help to growers to produce coffee and organic vegetables for export to European markets. Laos has also increased its coordination with relevant sectors to quarantine imported plants, Dr Monthathip added.

China and the Asian Development Bank have provided the department some funding to develop the knowledge and experience of agricultural and customs staff and provide much-needed lab equipment.

vientiane times