In a context where tariffs have significantly decreased over the last few decades, non-tariff measures (NTMs) have become major determinants in market entry, particularly for developing countries. In fact, UNCTAD research shows that the ability to gain and benefit from market access increasingly depends on compliance with trade regulatory measures such as sanitary requirements and goods standards. This is why they have become a major challenge for exporters, importers and policy makers. Understanding the uses and implications of these trade policy instruments is essential for the formulation and implementation of effective trade policies and development strategies. NTMs are closely linked to the SDGs in the post-2015 Development Agenda context, in particular social and environmental goals (e.g. Goals 2, End hunger, 13 sustainable production patterns) and economic goals (e.g. Goals 1, end poverty, 8 economic growth). NTMs are important instruments for all countries to achieve social and environmental goals and thus it is likely that their presence rises. For more information see here: http://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=1078
This session sheds light on the interfaces of NTMs with the SDGs to assist policy makers in designing appropriate trade policies and measuring progress towards the SDGs. This session will explore the findings of UNCTAD's work on NTMs, which encompasses definition, classification, collection of data and analysis of trade impact and the link to sustainable development goals.
Presentations:
Delivered by: Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities
From 10 am to 1pm
