Since implementation of economic reforms in the Lao PDR, beginning about 1990, rice output has grown less rapidly than population but cash crop and livestock production has outgrown population. The sources of these events were: (i) The reforms reduced the barriers to domestic trade in agricultural commodities within Lao PDR. Those regions with a comparative advantage in cash crop and livestock production could now more readily sell their output of cash crops and livestock in exchange for rice. It was no longer necessary for a farming household to grow rice in order to be sure of having sufficient rice to consume. (ii) The restoration of good border relations between Lao PDR and Thailand meant that cross-border trade between the two countries was no
longer obstructed by political tensions. In addition, the reform process in Lao PDR reduced the administrative barriers to international trade with Thailand, China and Vietnam. (iii) The rapid growth of the Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese economics, with which Lao PDR shares long and permeable borders, produced greatly increased demand for cash crops and livestock, some of which could be produced efficiently in Lao PDR.