Abstract:
Trade facilitation is a crucial issue for international trade. Better trade facilitation for any business may reduce operational cost and support managerial import-export, and taxation, of international trade. The main objectives of the study on Trade Facilitation in ASEAN Connectivity: A Case Study of R3A Route in Lao PDR were (1) to understand the operation systems of trade facilitation and services of public and private sectors in Lao PDR. (2) to analyse the procedure in trade facilitation agreement framework associated with operations on R3A. (3) to analyses the performance of public and private agencies services in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
Qualitative research method was used to obtain data by using observation and in-depth interviewing key informants from public and private sectors. The researcher also adapted the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) framework in analyzing trade facilitation performance on R3A route in Lao PDR.
The study found that trade facilitation along the R3A route in Lao PDR was relatively good. However, there were some barriers as lack of staffs and inefficiency of operational skills. Furthermore, inadequate of technology used was one of important factors in operating performance, for example, inefficiency laboratory (Lab)in checking and monitoring of plant and animal quarantine systems and the delay in transferring of goods due to lack of high 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 programs 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.