Laos2026Value chain upgrading potential in Laos' agro-processing sector: a firm-level analysis
[Tên tác giả]
[Đơn vị công tác]
- Published in
- [Tên tạp chí hoặc hội nghị]
- Year
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.48550/clmv.2026.008
- Original language
- English
- Topic
- Trade and investment, Industry
- Published by
- [Đơn vị công tác]
Abstract
This research analyses value chain upgrading potential among agro-processing firms in Laos using firm-level survey data. Results indicate that access to quality certification support is a key differentiator between firms able to enter export markets and those confined to domestic sales. The paper offers targeted policy recommendations.
Background
Laos has identified agro-processing as a priority sector for economic diversification, yet firm-level evidence on what enables individual processors to move from domestic sales towards export markets remains limited.
This research addresses that gap using survey data collected directly from agro-processing firms operating at different scales across the country.
Methods
The study surveyed a sample of agro-processing firms of varying size, covering production practices, quality certification status, and market destination for their products.
Comparative analysis was used to identify characteristics that distinguish firms successfully exporting from those selling exclusively in domestic markets.
Key findings
Access to technical support for obtaining quality certification emerged as the strongest differentiator between exporting and non-exporting firms, more significant than firm size or years in operation.
Firms that had received certification support were substantially more likely to report export sales, even when controlling for firm size.
Policy recommendations
The paper recommends expanding targeted technical assistance programmes that help small and medium agro-processing firms obtain relevant quality certifications required by export markets.
It further recommends that such support be prioritised for firms already meeting basic production standards but lacking resources to navigate certification processes independently.