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Implementing Trade Facilitation Reforms in Pakistan

This study examines the implementation of trade facilitation reforms in Pakistan, highlighting areas of non-compliance and identifying actions needed to achieve compliance. It also determines the need for technical assistance and additional support/funding. The findings will be used to update and expand the national trade facilitation strategy.

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Implementing Trade Facilitation Reforms in Pakistan

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  1. WTO Symposium, GENEVA,08 November, 2011 UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT Implementing trade facilitation reforms: Aligning national plans with multilateral and regional commitments Study of Trade Facilitation Initiatives in Pakistan

  2. Purpose of this Study • Part of UNCTAD’s Ongoing Pakistan Trade & Transport Facilitation Project Work Program • Support for Pakistan in WTO TF Negotiations • Identify areas of non-compliance • What needs to be done to achieve compliance • Determine need for Technical Assistance • Areas where additional support/funding may be necessary • Input to an Updated and Expanded National TF Strategy

  3. Perspective of the Study Not Official Government Position (views of individuals) and Does Not Represent Any Commitment by Government No Attempt to ‘Categorize’ Measures in the Context of TFA Negotiations Did Not Try to Identify Specific Implementation Costs Findings Remain the Property of the Government of Pakistan

  4. Methodology • Consultations with ‘Annex D’ Partners • Consultations with CBSG, TTFP Counterparts in Pakistan & Mission in Geneva • Questionnaire Developed & Used as Basis for Survey • Template prepared by UNCTAD and approved • Background/additional research including 2008 ‘Needs Assessment’ • Desk Research /Analysis

  5. Methodology (cont) Survey/Interviews conducted by UNCTAD in Pakistan June 2011 On-site visits where possible Only involved ‘Public Sector’ stakeholders (in this phase) Key Finding presented at domestic stakeholder conference for ‘Validation’

  6. Key Findings Pakistan Well Placed to achieve compliance with TFA, No measures beyond reach TF is not an ‘alien’ concept (principles well understood) Significant Progress Since ‘Needs Assessment’ (2008) Many Measures are implemented, but not ‘institutionalized’ Measures may require ‘fine tuning’ or ‘add-ons’ to Achieve Compliance with the final text Need to identify Lead Agency to drive change

  7. Key Findings (cont) • Automation (rationalization/stability) remains a key challenge to achieving progress and providing the enabling environment necessary to support other measures • Most T.A. necessary will be in form of Capacity Building to assist in development and implementation of reform strategies (not technical) • Need to aim beyond just achieving compliance with TFA to maximize returns • Concerns expressed about private sectors ability to engage in some measures / drive agenda

  8. Lessons Learnt • Important not to underestimate Political Support still necessary, even at advanced stages • Need to Aim Beyond Just Achieving Compliance with TFA • Need to identify and implement ‘Change Management’ Strategies and lead agency to help in Achieving Ownership of Reforms • In most circumstances the use of a National Consultant would help in conducting study (identification of suitable respondents) • The ‘Needs Assessment’ was a useful starting point

  9. Lessons Learnt (cont) • The desk research prior to conducting study helped in making it more effective /focused and saved time on the ground • Where implementation is already underway, need to monitor with regard to final text • ‘Costing’ remains a complex issue • A well functioning national trade facilitation Committee can steer the implementation process in a better way • Need to help guide respondents (keep focus) without appearing dismissive (not a debate on TFA merits)

  10. Next Steps Consulting the Private Sector Look beyond TFA to broader National TF agenda Review and Update of National TF Strategy Develop Action Plan for updated TF Strategy Design implementation Plans in consultation with the lead implementation Agency Strengthen the National Trade and Transport Facilitation committee

  11. Use experience in other countries • The process in Pakistan helped developing a working methodology: • Questionnaire • Interviews • Validation Workshop • And Identifying missing steps / components: • Involve private sector from the start • Aim at implementation plans with actions, budgets and calendars

  12. A TACB project starting in 2012 • EU funded – other donors interested • 2012-2014 life span • 15 (volunteering) countries • Working in national official language • 6-8 weeks national consultants work supported by Annex D agencies – mainly but not limited to UNCTAD • Implementation plans as outputs

  13. For further information Please contact: José María Rubiato jose.rubiato@unctad.org Jan Hoffmann Jan.hoffmann@unctad.org Dr Mohammad Saeed mohammad.saeed@unctad.org

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