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WTO TRADE FACILITATION Trade Facilitation Task Force

(Committee, Working Group, etc)

Sheri Rosenow

WTO Trade Facilitation SectionTrade Policies Review Division

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Recommendations for way forward

• Send results of NA to all stakeholders for review

• Continued review and update of needs assessment findings

• Stakeholders continue to meet

• Establish better communication between Capital and Geneva

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Today’s Objectives

Identify issues/problems for effective task force

Identify potential solutions

Better understanding of TOR and objective setting

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Why a Task Force?

Support WTO TF negotiations Support Needs assessment and follow-up Lead, support and monitor implementation Support SDT and sequencing of technical

assistance Create platform for input from private sector Ensure coherent overall national TF policy

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Potential Future Commitment

Proposal for all countries to develop a national committee (task force) to oversee implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement

TN/TF/W/158

JOB (09)/11

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Composition and Working Arrangements

A mix of public and private sector Appointment of Lead (Chair) Appropriate level of officials What number will represent a ‘quorum’ at

meetings for effective decision making Terms of reference/objective setting (Key Tasks) Frequency of meetings Agenda setting and minute taking

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Ethos of the Task Force

Pro-active

Transparent

Supportive

Shared and joint agenda (public/private)

Alert to national interests

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Stakeholders Implementing agencies (Customs (5 or 6), Quarantine, Standards

Board, Port Authority and Airport Authority, etc.) Attorney General/ Legal Department (legal reform, appeal) Ministry of Commerce (negotiations, competitiveness, trade flow,

industry protection, consumer protection) Foreign Affairs (negotiations) Economy and Finance (trade flow, controls budget) Ministry of Agriculture and Animals (controls requests for SPS) Ministry of Food and Drugs (human health issues) Ministry of Environment (human health and wildlife conservation) Central Bank (foreign currency controls) Private sector (big/small, importer/exporter, carrier, cargo

forwarders and owner, Chamber of Commerce, shippers association, cargo forwarders association, main industries, etc.)

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Existing Consultative StructuresExisting Consultative Structures

WTO Working Groups (a subcommittee on WTO Working Groups (a subcommittee on trade facilitation)trade facilitation)

Inter-ministerial consultative bodies that focus Inter-ministerial consultative bodies that focus on regional or multilateral trade issues.on regional or multilateral trade issues.

Other entity that brings stakeholders together Other entity that brings stakeholders together on trade policy and implementation issues.on trade policy and implementation issues.

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If such an entity exists . . . If such an entity exists . . .

• Is it appropriate for WTO TF issues?Is it appropriate for WTO TF issues?

• Does it require additional ministerial or Does it require additional ministerial or legislative authority?legislative authority?

• Identify and empower lead agency to carry Identify and empower lead agency to carry out consultations with stakeholders.out consultations with stakeholders.

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Follow-Up Words of WisdomFunding – refreshments, allowances, retreats etc. to ensure

sustainable participation Institutional knowledge – people change jobs or get too

busy. Institutions should send more than one participant to the meetings. 

Specific meetings – Meetings of specific stakeholders can be effective.  Calling smaller meeting or one-on-ones can expedite the preparations of position papers.

Work plan and TOR – Detailed. All stakeholders consulted.  Include milestones with time frames. Makes budgeting both time and money easier

Mandate – Once comfortable with WTO TF extend the mandate to have a national TF strategy.  Create a field of experts in the key institutions that can be called upon to provide advice and expertise whenever required.  

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Thank you

Sheri RosenowWTO Trade Facilitation SectionTrade Policies Review Division