농림업 분야 중점 협력국별 국제개발협력 전략 수립(3차년도): 라오스

Abstract

라오스는 산지가 전국토의 70%가 넘는 산악국가이자 베트남, 캄보디아, 태국, 중국으로 둘러싸인 내륙국가이다. 2016~2019년 기간에 6~7%의 경제성장률을 기록하면서 지속적으로 성장하고 있다.

농업이 국가경제에서 차지하는 비중은 2019년 GDP 대비 15.3%를 차지한다. 농촌지역 거주인구는 전 인구의 3분의 2인 67%에 달하고, 노동력 인구 가운데 농업 종사인구는 70%에 이른다.

2017년에 정부가 천명한 신남방정책에서 라오스가 속한 ASEAN 지역은 우리나라의 경제협력, 개발협력에서 중요한 대상이 되었다.

이 연구가 지향하는 목적은 라오스의 발전을 위해 필수적인 농업, 농촌의 현황을 분석하고 라오스, 국제사회, 우리나라의 개발 및 협력전략을 파악함으로써 우리나라의 對 라오스 농업분야 개발협력 전략을 수립하여 제시하는 것이다.

Background and Purpose ○ Lao PDR is a mountainous and landlocked country surrounded by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and China. Its economy has grown continuously, recording 6~7% growth between 2016 and 2019. The share of agriculture in GDP is 15.3% in 2019, and people living in rural areas take two-thirds of the total population, while agricultural workers take 70% of all workforce.

○ The Korean government declared the 'New Southern Policy' in 2017, and Laos, as an ASEAN member, has become a crucial partner in the development and economic cooperation.

○ This research aims to analyze the state of Laos’ agriculture and rural sectors, and review its development strategies, and make policy suggestions to the Korean government for its cooperation in development with Lao PDR.

Research Methodology ○ For the research, we explored international and local literature, statistics, and databases. Amid the COVID-19 situation, undertaking field surveys was impossible. Instead, we gained advice and information from the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI).

○ We interviewed 17 international and local professionals to identify the significance of each phase in Laos’ agricultural value chains. We also used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to analyze the data we collected.

Key Findings ○ As hills and mountains take 70% of the land, Laotians use only 10 percent of land for agricultural cultivation. Rice is planted in as much as 80% of the cultivated land, implying its uttermost importance in Laotians’ diet and food security. Maize, harvested in 12% of the total harvested land, is the second most important crop. Cassava, sugarcane, and coffee are also the main agricultural products.

(For more information, please refer to the report.)