Dr Ongolo Zogo Valérie ILEAP – University of Yaounde II Hong Kong 16 December 2005
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Transcript of Dr Ongolo Zogo Valérie ILEAP – University of Yaounde II Hong Kong 16 December 2005
Post-Hong Kong Research and Analytical Priorities for Low-
income Countries: Discussions on Trade Facilitation
Dr Ongolo Zogo Valérie
ILEAP – University of Yaounde II
Hong Kong 16 December 2005
• 1.Main issues in the Trade Facilitation Negotiations for Developing Countries
• 2. Assigned Objectives of the TF programme
• 3. Regional Analytical Priorities
• 4. Research Areas
PRESENTATION STRUCTURE
I.1. MAIN ISSUES:Concept Definition
• Definition: “Series of measures taken to reduce costs related to trade”
• Accompanied by an aid for trade programme
• Implementing instruments vary with respect to the nature of the programme: WTO, UNCTAD, World Bank
I.2. MAIN ISSUES: Importance of the concept
The TF programme directly influences the other aspects of trade: trade in goods, trade in
services…
I.3. TRADE FACILITATION AT THE WTO
• Definition: “Simplification and Harmonisation of the procedures of international trade”
• Framework: Articles V, VIII and X of GATT (1994)
• Content: Transit; Fees and Formalities of external trade; and Publication and implementation of trade regulations
I.4. TRADE FACILITATION AT THE EU (EPA Perspective)
• Definition: “Support for the promotion of trade and reinforcement of export corridors”
• Framework: To be defined
• Content: System of rules of origin, legislation and customs procedures (including information exchange), and certification and Quality Assurance
I.5. TRADE FACILITATION IN OTHER COOPERATION AREAS:
World Bank and UNCTAD
• Definition: “Support for trade promotion activities”
• Framework: (Transport & Trade programme, Support for Maritime Activities…)
• Contents: Port reforms; improvement in transit corridors; and reform of road transport activities
I.6. Trade Facilitation: Resume of Main TF Issues
The implementation of this programme requires accompanying technical assistance programmes and capacity building for developing and least-
developed countries
I.7. Resume of Main TF Issues
WTO/EU (EPA)UNCTAD/WB
AUTONOMOUSREFORMS
REGIONAL INTEGRATION
IMPLEMENTATIONCAPACITY
TRADE ANDDEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMMEHARMONISATION
Importance of the negotiationson TF in this context
II. EXPECTED OBJECTIVES OF TF NEGOTIATIONS
• Identify the content of the programmes
• Identify competent authorities
• Harmonise existing initiatives
• Take advantage of Aid for Trade
opportunities
Regional integrationis the central objective
of TF programmes
II.1. Objective of Regional Integration
TF programmes should aim atreducing obstacles to trade
and promoting intra-regional exchangein order to help reduce
transaction costs
Difficulties relatedto implementation
of programmes
II.2. Facilitate the implementation of programmes
A number of programmes exist but they suffer from implementation problems(i.e. administrative rigidity; lack of Coherence at the inter-state level; andabsence of coordination)
Problems of programme harmonisation
II.3. Harmonising TF programmes
The programmes implemented by the aforementioned institutions are not always harmonised, due to:• Risks of conflict of jurisdiction; • Risks of dispersion of resources; and• The need for harmonisation
IV- REGIONAL PRIORITIES
NATIONAL STRUCTURES
REGIONALSTRUCTURES
HARMONISATIONCOORDINATION
MODERNISATIONSIMPLIFICATION
STA
ND
AR
DIS
ATIO
NINFR
AS
TR
UC
TU
RE
INFRASTRUCTURE 1. Consolidate the level of implementation of integrated transport networks
2. Improve technical capacity of ports to reduce delays
IV.1. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES
HARMONISATION &SIMPLIFICATION
1. Operationalise the relevant Conventions
2. Finalise and apply common customs codes
3. Diffusion of information on transport and customs procedures
IV.2. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES
MODERNISATION1. Harmonisation of customs
information systems through ASYCUDA
2. Installation and computerisation of single window systems
3. Integration of databases4. Information system on transit
IV.3. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES
STANDARDISATION
1. Application of the revised Kyoto Convention
2. Framework of standards from the WCO
3. UN/EDIFACT standards3. Computerisation of single
window procedures at entry ports
IV.4. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITES
COORDINATION 1. Activate and invigorate juxtaposed border posts
2. Rationalise merchandise transport procedures (limit transit corridor controls)
3. Create regional systems for coordination of shared trade-related information
IV.5. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES
NATIONALSTRUCTURES 1. Port Services
2. Fiscal and Customs Services 3. Road & Rail Transport Services 4. National Freight Offices
IV.6. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES
REGIONAL STRUCTURES 1. Cooperation of landlocked
countries in management of port facilities
2. Fiscal and Customs Cooperation (road & rail transport services)
3. Regional freight management offices
IV.6. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES
V- PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH ON TF
1.Article V: Transit
2. Article VIII: Fees & Formalities
3. Article X: Scope & Application
INITIATIVES IN FAVOUR OF
LANDLOCKED COUNTRIES
• Adoption of integrated road network
• Fiscal and customs harmonisation2. Harmonisation and
Standardisation of procedures: (juxtaposed border posts; establishment of observatories; technical and legal studies)
V.1. INITIATIVES RELATED TO TRANSIT
1. Coordination between relevant administrations
2. Cost-sharing3. Common standards between countries4. Clarification of transit-related costs5. Coordination and harmonisation of
documentation6. Reliable regional information system7. Adoption the Kyoto Convention8. Effective harmonisation of decision-
making
WHY A REGIONAL AGENCY?
REGIONALAGENCY
REGIONALINSTITUTIONS
PRIVATEOPERATORS
OPERATIONALISATION OF A REGIONAL AGENCY
OPERATIONDEFINITION EXECUTION
ARTICLE V
• System to track merchandise in transit
• Juxtaposed border posts
• Freight management offices
REGIONAL AGENCY: AREAS OF COMPETENCE
ARTICLE X
• Regional information platform
• Creation of focal points
• Collections and updating
ARTICLE VIII• Updating Customs
Information Systems
• Operationalisation of Regional Agency
• Common information systems
1. Regional Transit and Facilitation
Agency: institutional framework,
financing…
2. Provision for application of
international conventions related to
transit
3. Feasibility and conditions of
harmonisation of transit documents
V.3. AREAS OF RESEARCH ON ARTICLE V
HARMONISATION AND
SIMPLIFICATION 1. Evaluation of port services reform
2. Computerisation of single windows
3. Modernisation of maritime procedures and auxiliaries
4. Initiatives for establishment of juxtaposed border posts
V.4. INITIATIVES RELATED TO FEES AND FORMALITIES
1. Sectoral studies for evaluation of port reforms2. Conditions for creation of observatories and
technical and legal studies3. Evaluation of costs of computerisation of customs
procedures 4. Economic impact of consolidation of TF
proposals: (‘single document’; new technologies for document publication and legislation; use of international standards for customs formalities)
V.4. AREAS OF RESEARCH RELATED TO ARTICLE VIII