Lao People's Democratic Republic

24 August 2022 — G/TFA/N/LAO/3/Rev.1  

Lao Customs Department is applying risk management principles in examination of goods at the border posts using the selectivity module of ASYCUDA, its automated processing system. The skill level of officers engaged in risk management functions needs to be enhanced for an effective application of risk management principles and reducing the percentage of border examinations. Further, development of an Integrated Risk Management Framework involving Customs and other border agencies is planned to undertake joint examination and clearance using the Customs' selectivity module. With the support of the WB's LCT project, border agencies already signed an MOU to implement the joined risk management. However, all border agencies need to work together to come up with the SOP for joined risk management.
The WB under the Lao PDR's Competitiveness & Trade Project (LCTP) aims to provide following support:

1. To enhance the maturity level of the LCD's existing risk management functions.
2. To develop an integrated risk management framework (IRMF) involving Customs and other border agencies, like Food & Drugs Department and Plant & Quarantine departments for improved border functions.
3. Preparation of Operation Manuals and guidelines for implementing risk management in border agencies
4. Capacity building of above border agencies in application of risk management principles.

In addition, Lao Customs Department is also helped by JICA in building its capacity for risk assessment, analysis and development of risk parameters for effective risk management.

However, due to fund constraints, support of the WB project is limited, and hence Lao PDR will require following assistance from the development partners/WTO:

(a) Technical support on risk analysis and development of risk profiles, particularly in the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Livestock & Fisheries, towards effective functioning of the risk management framework.
(b) Upgrade of the Risk Management System in Lao Customs following international best practices.
(c) Capacity building of Customs & other border agencies for above functions.

19 March 2021 — G/TFA/N/LAO/3  

Lao Customs Department is applying risk management principles in examination of goods at the border posts using the selectivity module of ASYCUDA, its automated processing system. The skill level of officers engaged in risk management functions needs to be enhanced for an effective application of risk management principles and reducing the percentage of border examinations. Further, development of an Integrated Risk Management Framework involving Customs and other border agencies is planned to undertake joint examination and clearance using the Customs’ selectivity module.

The WB under the Lao PDR’s Competitiveness & Trade Project (LCTP) aims to provide following support:
1. To enhance the maturity level of the LCD’s existing risk management functions
2. To develop an integrated risk management framework (IRMF) involving Customs and other border agencies, like Food & Drugs Department and Plant & Quarantine departments for improved border functions
3. Preparation of Operation Manuals and guidelines for implementing risk management in border agencies
4. Capacity building of above border agencies in application of risk management principles

However, due to fund constraints, support of the WB project is limited, and hence Lao PDR will require following assistance from the development partners/WTO:

1. Technical support on risk analysis and development of risk profiles, particularly in the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Livestock & Fisheries, towards effective functioning of the risk management framework
2. Upgradation of the Risk Management System in Lao Customs following international best practices
3. Capacity building of Customs & other border agencies for above functions beyond 2020