Dr Ongolo Zogo Valérie ILEAP – University of Yaounde II Hong Kong 16 December 2005

1. 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

2. PRESENTATION STRUCTURE • 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

3. 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

4. I.2. MAIN ISSUES: Importance of the concept The TF programme directly influences the other aspects of trade: trade in goods, trade in services…

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. REGIONAL INTEGRATION IMPLEMENTATION CAPACITY PROGRAMME HARMONISATION TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT I.7. Resume of Main TF Issues WTO/EU (EPA) UNCTAD/WB AUTONOMOUS REFORMS

10. II. EXPECTED OBJECTIVES OF TF NEGOTIATIONS Importance of the negotiations on TF in this context • Identify the content of the programmes • Identify competent authorities • Harmonise existing initiatives • Take advantage of Aid for Trade • opportunities

11. II.1. Objective of Regional Integration Regional integration is the central objective of TF programmes TF programmes should aim at reducing obstacles to trade and promoting intra-regional exchange in order to help reduce transaction costs

12. II.2. Facilitate the implementation of programmes Difficulties related to 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; and absence of coordination)

13. II.3. Harmonising TF programmes Problems of programme harmonisation • 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

14. COORDINATION HARMONISATION INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARDISATION SIMPLIFICATION MODERNISATION IV- REGIONAL PRIORITIES NATIONAL STRUCTURES REGIONAL STRUCTURES

15. IV.1. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES INFRASTRUCTURE • Consolidate the level of implementation of integrated transport networks • Improve technical capacity of ports to reduce delays

16. IV.2. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES HARMONISATION & SIMPLIFICATION • Operationalise the relevant Conventions • Finalise and apply common customs codes • Diffusion of information on transport and customs procedures

17. IV.3. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES MODERNISATION • Harmonisation of customs information systems through ASYCUDA • Installation and computerisation of single window systems • Integration of databases • Information system on transit

18. IV.4. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITES STANDARDISATION • Application of the revised Kyoto Convention • Framework of standards from the WCO • UN/EDIFACT standards • Computerisation of single window procedures at entry ports

19. IV.5. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES COORDINATION • Activate and invigorate juxtaposed border posts • Rationalise merchandise transport procedures (limit transit corridor controls) • Create regional systems for coordination of shared trade-related information

20. IV.6. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES NATIONAL STRUCTURES • Port Services • Fiscal and Customs Services • Road & Rail Transport Services • National Freight Offices

21. IV.6. REGIONAL ANALYTICAL PRIORITIES REGIONAL STRUCTURES • Cooperation of landlocked countries in management of port facilities • Fiscal and Customs Cooperation (road & rail transport services) • Regional freight management offices

22. V- PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH ON TF • Article V: Transit • 2. Article VIII: Fees & Formalities • 3. Article X: Scope & Application

23. V.1. INITIATIVES RELATED TO TRANSIT INITIATIVES IN FAVOUR OF LANDLOCKED COUNTRIES • Adoption of integrated road network • Fiscal and customs harmonisation • Harmonisation and Standardisation of procedures: (juxtaposed border posts; establishment of observatories; technical and legal studies)

24. WHY A REGIONAL AGENCY? • Coordination between relevant administrations • Cost-sharing • Common standards between countries • Clarification of transit-related costs • Coordination and harmonisation of documentation • Reliable regional information system • Adoption the Kyoto Convention • 8. Effective harmonisation of decision-making

25. REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS PRIVATE OPERATORS DEFINITION EXECUTION OPERATIONALISATION OF A REGIONAL AGENCY REGIONAL AGENCY OPERATION

26. ARTICLE V ARTICLE VIII ARTICLE X • System to track merchandise in transit • Juxtaposed border posts • Freight management offices • Updating Customs Information Systems • Operationalisation of Regional Agency • Common information systems • Regional information platform • Creation of focal points • Collections and updating REGIONAL AGENCY: AREAS OF COMPETENCE

27. V.3. AREAS OF RESEARCH ON ARTICLE V • Regional Transit and Facilitation Agency: institutional framework, financing… • Provision for application of international conventions related to transit • Feasibility and conditions of harmonisation of transit documents

28. V.4. INITIATIVES RELATED TO FEES AND FORMALITIES HARMONISATION AND SIMPLIFICATION • Evaluation of port services reform • Computerisation of single windows • Modernisation of maritime procedures and auxiliaries • Initiatives for establishment of juxtaposed border posts

29. V.4. AREAS OF RESEARCH RELATED TO ARTICLE VIII • Sectoral studies for evaluation of port reforms • Conditions for creation of observatories and technical and legal studies • Evaluation of costs of computerisation of customs procedures • Economic impact of consolidation of TF proposals: (‘single document’; new technologies for document publication and legislation; use of international standards for customs formalities)