[NA]

Prospects

Under the chairmanship of Dr. Picheat Prommoon, from the Rubber Research Institute of Thailand, Mr. Hidde Smit (Rubber Study Group), Mr. Didier Baillet (AFD) and Mr. Vongpaphane Manivong (Laos Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) presented their views of the sector’s evolution prospects and their possible future involvement.

Mr. Hidde Smit – Rubber Study Group, Singapore

Based on the IMF’s forecasts of the evolution of the world economy and on forecasts of the evolution of the automobile sector and tire industry, the Secretary General of the Rubber Study Group analyzed the potential for changes in the demand for natural rubber and compared this with the supply potential and its possible evolution.

Presentation ppt  ► Speech (video)  ► Interview (video)
 

Mr. Didier Baillet – Agence Française de Développement

The representative of the AFD’s agricultural and rural development division discussed the various elements necessary for the success of smallholder rubber plantation in a country: availability of land, technical training, suitable credit, and market access. He emphasized that smallholder plantations provide more flexibility and seem more competitive than industrial plantations today. Supporting the organization of producers in cooperatives and their involvement in initial processing and sale seem to be promising paths to development.

► Speech (video)  ► Interview (video)  

Dr. Vongpaphane Manivong – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Laos

In Laos, rubber plantations have been growing exponentially in recent years (28,000 ha in 2007 and 250,000 ha predicted in 2010). Today, the dynamic is primarily driven by private companies: smallholder plantations account for only 23% of rubber plantations.  The government’s current strategy consists of setting up regulations on private concessions, identifying the zones most favorable for rubber plantations, and developing measures to support smallholder rubber plantation (land titles, research and development, regulations on producers’ associations, etc.).

Presentation ppt  ► Speech (video ) ► Interview (video)

 

Mr. Hidde Smit – Rubber Study Group, Singapore

Speech

 

Interview

 

Mr. Didier Baillet – Agence Française de Développement

Speech

 

Interview

 

Dr. Vongpaphane Manivong – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Laos

Speech

 

Interview