Do social protection programmes help the poor during trade liberalization? : evidence from Laos
Date
2015
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Faculty of Economics and Business Management, National University of Laos
Abstract
The study assesses impacts of social protection programs on poverty and income distribution during trade liberalization, addressing how social safety net programs might reduce poverty and income distribution gaps, as well as how trade liberalization affects these factors. Social protection programs, especially cash transfer programs, are considered to be a ‘silver bullet for poverty reduction.’ As a new member of ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) however, Lao PDR social protection programs are weak and in an early stage of development. Findings indicate that cash transfers will help to improve welfare, reduce poverty, and narrow inequality during trade liberalization.
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Synthesis Report
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Keywords
ASEAN, SOCIAL SAFETY NETS, INCOME DISTRIBUTION, POVERTY ALLEVIATION, LAO PDR, HOUSEHOLD INCOME, TRANSFER INCOME, DEMOGRAPHIC ASPECTS, SOCIAL SECURITY, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, FAR EAST ASIA