Lao Economic Reform and WTO Accession: Implications for Agriculture and Rural Development

The unilateral and regional (ASEAN) trade and investment liberalizations pursued by the Lao PDR during the past few years have begun transforming the economy. The next logical step is to join the World Trade Organization, an application for which was submitted in 1998. The WTO legal bindings will give traders and investors increased confidence in the Lao reform programme. This book outlines what the WTO accession process involves, what policies the Lao Government will have to change, and what the economic effects will be, particularly on rural development.