This research is is part of the Trade Analysis and Reform Project (TARP) – a technical assistance programme under the auspices of the Australian Government (AusAID), of which goal is to enhance the capacity of officers and researchers in the participating countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam in the areas of research and trade policy analysis. This is so as to enable personnel in these countries to effectively develop policies on economic integration that support economic growth and social development.