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Trade Facilitation in the WTO

Trade Facilitation in the WTO. Samer Seif El Yazal Samer.seif@wto.org. Contents. Introduction Key issues Legal Framework Negotiating mandate. 1. Introduction – Singapore 1996. Four Singapore Issues Trade and Investment Trade and Competition Policy

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Trade Facilitation in the WTO

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  1. Trade Facilitation in the WTO Samer Seif El Yazal Samer.seif@wto.org

  2. Contents • Introduction • Key issues • Legal Framework • Negotiating mandate

  3. 1. Introduction – Singapore 1996 • Four Singapore Issues • Trade and Investment • Trade and Competition Policy • Transparency in Government Procurement • Trade Facilitation

  4. 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.

  5. 1. Introduction: TF in the context of the Doha Round TF as part of the Doha Round • Added in 2004: • General Council Decision, 1 August 2004 • Annex D: Modalities for negotiations • Part of the “Single undertaking” • Late start..... .... but same finishing line

  6. 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

  7. 2. Key issues Main problems for traders • Excessive documentation requirements • Burdensome border-crossing procedures • Lack of automation and scare use of IT • Lacking transparency and predictability • Lack of cooperation and coordination • Outdated legislation inhibiting change

  8. GATT 1994 3.Legal framework Existing WTO rules on TF GATT 1994: • Art. V • Freedom of Transit • Art. VIII Fees + Formalities connected with Importation & Exportation • Art. X • Publication and Administration of Trade Regulations

  9. 3. Legal Framework • 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

  10. Mandate: Negotiations!!! • Clarify and improve V, VIII, X • SDT - Longer transition periods • No obligation for infrastructure • Identify needs and priorities • Technical Assistance & support WT/L/579- Annex D

  11. State-of-play: Trade Facilitation • More than 25NGmeetingsso far • Substantive number of proposals • Progress towards a draft-text • Negotiations should bear overall outcome of DDA

  12. State-of-play: TradeFacilitation • Work Plan • Member-driven, covering all elements of the mandate in a flexible way • Participation of relevant international organizations on an ad hoc basis

  13. Trade Facilitation: Members’ Proposals • More than 150 submissions sponsored by more than 100 Members • Sponsored by developed and developing countries alike, with even LDCs presenting written proposals (teaming up with developed ones) • 3 main categories Related to the 3 GATT Articles Related to S&D, TA&CB and other elements Related to customs cooperation

  14. State-of-play: Trade Facilitation • Main areas addressed • Improvements/clarification of Art. V, VIII+X • Technical assistance and capacity building • Special and differential treatment • Needs and priorities assessment • Cost implications • Coordination and coherence

  15. Summary of Proposals • Simplification • Reduction of requirements • Harmonization (use of international standards) • Streamlining of procedures • Impartiality and Non-discrimination • Enhanced coordination & cooperation • Enhancement of transparency and predictability

  16. Trade Facilitation: Members’ Proposals Compilation (TN/TF/W/43.Rev.14) • regularly updated to reflect new input • Living (working) document

  17. 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

  18. Why Self Assessment of Needs? • MANDATE – self assessment • Members’ Proposals • Move negotiations forward • Participate more effectively • Prepare for implementation

  19. Up-To Date Information www.wto.org • Trade Facilitation • Trade Facilitation Technical Assistance And Capacity Building Trade facilitation document code: TN/TF/

  20. Thank you for your attention

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