Download - Trade Facilitation in the WTO
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Contents
Introduction
Key issues
Legal Framework
Negotiating mandate
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Four Singapore Issues1. Trade and Investment
2. Trade and Competition Policy
3. Transparency in Government Procurement
4. Trade Facilitation
1. Introduction – Singapore 1996
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1. Introduction – Doha 2001 Doha Ministerial Declaration (Nov. 2001)
Paragraph 27
Negotiations will take place after the Fifth Session of the Ministerial Conference on the basis of a decision to be taken by explicit consensus on modalities of negotiations. The CTG shall review and as appropriate clarify and improve relevant aspects of Articles V, VIII and X of the GATT 1994.
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1. Introduction: TF in the context of the Doha Round
Added in 2004: General Council Decision, 1 August 2004 Annex D: Modalities for negotiations
TF as part of the Doha Round
Late start..... .... but same finishing line
Part of the “Single undertaking”
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1. Introduction - Objective
Making trade procedures as efficient as possible through the simplification, rationalization and harmonization of procedures, documentation, and information flows
Specific focus of work:
Articles V, VIII and X of GATT 1994
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Main problems for traders
Lacking transparency and predictability
Lack of automation and scare use of IT
Burdensome border-crossing procedures
Lack of cooperation and coordination
Excessive documentation requirements
2. Key issues
Outdated legislation inhibiting change
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3. Legal framework
GATT 1994:Freedom of Transit
Publication and Administration of Trade Regulations
Fees + Formalities connected with Importation & Exportation
Art. V
Art. VIII
Art. X
Existing WTO rules on TF
GA
TT 1
994
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Claimed shortcomings Lack of clarity and precision Lack of operationality Lacking enforceability Lacking transparency and predictability Absence of requirements for cooperation
and coordination amongst the various stakeholders
3. Legal Framework
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Clarify and improve V, VIII, X
SDT - Longer transition periods
No obligation for infrastructure
Identify needs and priorities
Technical Assistance & supportWT/L/579- Annex DWT/L/579- Annex D
Mandate:Mandate:
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Substantive number of proposals
Progress towards a draft-text
More than 25 NG meetings so far
State-of-play: Trade Facilitation
Negotiations should bear overall outcome of DDA
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Work Plan
– Member-driven, covering all elements of the mandate in a flexible way
– Participation of relevant international organizations on an ad hoc basis
State-of-play: Trade Facilitation
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More than 150 submissions sponsored by more than 100 Members
Trade Facilitation: Members’ Proposals
Sponsored by developed and developing countries alike, with even LDCs presenting written proposals (teaming up with developed ones)
3 main categories
A. Related to the 3 GATT Articles
C. Related to customs cooperation
B. Related to S&D, TA&CB and other elements
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Main areas addressed
– Improvements/clarification of Art. V, VIII+X
State-of-play: Trade Facilitation
– Special and differential treatment– Technical assistance and capacity
building
– Needs and priorities assessment – Cost implications – Coordination and coherence
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Simplification
Harmonization (use of international standards)
Impartiality and Non-discrimination Enhanced coordination & cooperation Enhancement of transparency and
predictability
Reduction of requirements
Streamlining of procedures
Summary of Proposals
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regularly updated to reflect new input
Compilation (TN/TF/W/43.Rev.14)
Living (working) document
Trade Facilitation: Members’ Proposals
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WB Study- Conclusions Six country studies – Identify additional needs and priorities for TA and
capacity building support Egypt, Paraguay, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal & Sri Lanka
No one starting from scratch WTO TF agenda in line with existing modernization plans and strategies Modest costs except for single window and one stop border stations Customs ahead of other agencies Some TA needed for effective implementation in key areas Barriers to effective implementation not always responsive to TA
regardless of its quality and quantity Need for country specific needs assessments to ensure effective
integration of WTO agenda into wider TF programs
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Why Self Assessment of Needs?
MANDATE – self assessment
Members’ Proposals
Move negotiations forward
Participate more effectively
Prepare for implementation
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Up-To Date Information
Trade Facilitation
Trade Facilitation Technical Assistance And Capacity Building
Trade facilitation document code: Trade facilitation document code: TN/TF/TN/TF/
www.wto.org
Thank you for your attention