Session documents

Since its inclusion in the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization, the traditionally technical issue of trade facilitation (TF) has gained prominence in international trade policy debates. It is now considered as one of the few areas where WTO negotiations have been able to advance to the point of agreeing on a draft consolidated negotiating text. Trade facilitation is also increasingly included in regional trade agreements, through which governments commit to trade facilitation reforms independent of the conclusion of the WTO negotiations.

In this context, the longstanding debate about TF benefits and challenges, especially for the developing countries, is more important than ever and this short course will focus on highlighting the role of TF in the current economic environment. The course will also discuss the challenges that developing countries may face in the implementation of an eventual TF agreement and the role of the international community.

Key questions to consider:

• What are the implications of current trends in trade logistics for trade facilitation?
• Which TF measures are covered by regional and multilateral trade negotiations?
• What challenges do developing countries face in the implementation of the TF measures?
• Which national mechanisms are essential for a successful TF reform?
• What is the role of technical assistance and capacity building programmes in TF?

Programme

Presenter

Delivered by: Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL)

Presentations:

• Trade, Transport and International Logistics: The role of trade facilitation
• Negotiations on trade facilitation at the World Trade Organization
• Trade Facilitation: An Introduction
• Negotiations on Trade Facilitation: Priorities and Needs

Related documents: