Regional Policy Forum on Trade Facilitation and SMEs in Times of Crisis

Beijing, 22 May 09Nora Neufeld, WTO

WTO Negotiations on Trade Facilitation State-of-Play

Overview

Latest developments Progress made Road ahead

Part 1

Latest developments

Moving forward

1. Latest developments

Steady progress Parameters of the envisaged

TF Agreement are taking clear shape Good idea of likely

content Positive climate despite challenging overall environment

Main areas of attention Proposals

− Ongoing refinement and consolidation process

Needs assessment program

− Complementary activities

1. Latest developments

Member-driven

Bottom-up

Transparent

Inclusive

1. Latest developments

Principles of operation

Part 2

Progress made

What’s on the table?

2. Progress made

Improved regulatory framework Enhanced due process rights Reduction of multiple and

sometimes contradictory recommendations that have no guarantee of being enforced

Framework for eliminating many NTBs

Enhanced competitiveness and better integration into the global economy

Common direction & sustainability of reforms

Special relevance for SMEs

2. Progress made

increased trading opportunities

lower transaction costs more transparent, predictable

and efficient trading environment reduced discrimination

Proposals of particular interest for SMEs

2. Progress made

Examples

Main reference documents

2. Progress made

(TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18)

(JOB(09)40))

Compilation of negotiating proposals Document summarizing the state of

work on S&D

Part 3

Road ahead

Remaining work to be done

3. Road ahead

Consolidation processRefinement of proposalsAdvancement of S&D work

Next steps

3. Road ahead

ProcessProspects

Requirements

3. Road ahead

Enhanced engagement Readiness to compromise Cooperation & coordination

Serious commitment

Summary

Good progress made Promising outcome Particular potential for SMEs Need for committed, flexible,

joint approach