Trade and Sustainable Development Symposium

Full implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) could reduce trade costs globally by up to 17.5%, with the largest drops expected in low and lower middle income countries. Many countries are eager to replicate the TFA experience by simplifying and harmonising procedures in other policy areas, such as investment, services and e-commerce. Potential efforts include harmonising, simplifying and automating the notification and publication of services measures and investment regulations and laws; simplifying the procedures for investment and license applications; and enhancing cooperation amongst national focal agencies. This session seeks to assess whether the facilitation model is a useful multilateral framework to address behind-the-border barriers to trade. Additionally, the session will also examine potential lessons from where the TFA has spurred capacity building, including through public-private partnerships, to enable implementation of commitments in developing countries. 

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