Abstract:
The main objective of the study of trade facilitation in ASEAN connectivity: case study of R3A route in Lao PDR are to understand the operation systems of trade facilitation and services of public and private sectors in Lao PDR to analyse the procedure in trade facilitation agreement framework associated with operations on R3A route in Lao PDR. In additional, to analyse the performance of public and private agencies services in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
The study collected both of primary and secondary data from key informants in public and private sectors. This study focused on field surveys using observations and in-depth interviews with key informants, as well as action research methodology with participated in real public and private organizations. The researcher also adapted the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) framework in analysing trade facilitation performance on R3A route in Lao PDR.
The study found that trade facilitation along R3A route in Lao PDR was relatively good. However, there were such barriers as lack of staffs and inefficiency of operational skills. Furthermore, lack of technology used was one of importance factors in operating performance, for example, lack of efficiency laboratory (Lab) in checking and monitoring of plant and animal quarantine systems and the delay in transferring of goods due to lack of technology used in transferring systems.
The study examined some suggestions for the government and public policy makers about the encouraging policy for employees in each organization in term of development and training programmes related with ASEAN economic community and international standards. According to private sector, they should concern and increase the level of responsibility in the insurance policy. In addition, cross dock warehouse/ cross docking centre should innovate the technology to be used in the operation and management systems.