Environmental impacts of trade liberalization in the bio-diesel sector of the Lao PDR

These papers provided vital background information and illuminated key sector-specific policy recommendations for the main assessment and are seen as a valuable contribution to the growing body of in-country research focusing on the complex dynamics between trade and the environment in Lao PDR. [...] The Government of Lao PDR (GoL) is also preparing for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which includes myriad requirements to increase economic efficiency and open up the economy to competition as the country integrates into the multilateral trading system. [...] While a formal policy on biodiesel has yet to be developed (see Section 1.3) the overall policy of the GoL is to promote the commercial production of appropriate crops and to substitute imports to strengthen Lao PDR’s trade position (GoL 2004). [...] The rational for the GoL’s plans to increase the production and use of biofuels is based on the premise of potential positive environmental and social impacts, notably the mitigation of climate change through greenhouse gas abatement, conservation of fossil fuels, security of energy supply and maintaining employment in the agricultural sector. [...] Recently, the Lao National Council of Sciences was requested by the Prime Minister to draft a biofuels policy for the consideration of the GoL.