Over the past decade Lao PDR has opened up its economy and taken substantial steps towards greater
international economic integration as part of efforts to boost export earnings and economic growth.
The Lao Government has also made important commitments to gender equality in both its national socio-economic
development planning and in a number of international agreements. Through mapping
the gender dimensions of trade in Lao PDR, this report aims to draw out key inter-linkages between a
more open trade policy and gender.
A methodological framework to map the gender dimensions of trade is introduced for researchers and
then applied to Lao PDR. The analysis equips the policy maker with improved understanding on i) how
export expansion in Lao PDR will impact upon men and women differently, and ii) the constraints that
men and women face in accessing the benefits of a more open trade policy. This analysis is then used
to inform the design of possible complementary policies and investments to alleviate these constraints
and mitigate potential adverse impacts of increased trade flows on gender equality.
A sector overview of the Lao economy shows that mining and electric power already constitute half
of national exports and this is likely to grow further as new power and mining projects come on-line.
Direct employment opportunities in these sectors are however limited and also at present predominantly
held by men. For growth in the Lao economy to be inclusive, trade expansion in the non-natural
resource sectors ought to be a priority because of its greater employment potential. Agriculture remains
the main source of employment for both men and women in the economy, while manufacturing and
garments in particular are also a significant employer of women with scope for expansion.