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.