August 2010
Work commences on a trade facilitation framework for the Economic Union
Two consultants have started work on a study which will provide options and recommendations on the best approach for the establishment of a comprehensive trade facilitation framework that will operate in the Economic Union. The options to be considered include: the free circulation of goods; the harmonization of legislation; the creation of a single customs and trade facilitation regime and revenue sharing arrangements.
The findings of the study which will be presented to officials and the OECS Heads of Government in November will provide a framework document which includes policy options and recommendations, encompassing legislative, regulatory, institutional and infrastructural elements.
It will include an approach to the operationalisation of revenue sharing; a prioritised list of actions at the national and OECS levels that forms a roadmap for the implementation of recommendations; an indication of the human and financial resource requirements; and a resource-mobilization plan to secure donor support for the implementation of the recommendations.
The study is financed by an EU-ACP Project called Tradecom and will end in December 2010. Trade Facilitation treats with the factors that affect the cost and time to move goods and services across borders.
The Trade Policy Unit prepares for a regional trade facilitation consultation in Saint Lucia
The Trade Policy Unit has commenced preparations for a regional consultation on trade facilitation during 21-24thSeptember. The consultation is targeted at senior customs officials and trade facilitation experts.
It aims to, inter alia: update Member States on the ongoing CARICOM – Canada and WTO negotiations on trade facilitation; facilitate dialogue with development partners on establishing coherence in the programming and delivery of technical assistance and to launch the UNCTAD Trade Facilitation Cluster Development study geared towards reinvigorating national Trade Facilitation Working Groups.
The conclusions and recommendations of this meeting are expected to provide negotiating instructions for the OECS Geneva Mission and guidelines for structuring a regional approach to technical assistance and capacity building in trade facilitation.
National workshop on EPA rules of origin criteria commence
The Hub and Spokes Project in collaboration with the EPA Implementation Unit will be convening a series of national workshops for customs officers and brokers, as well as manufacturers and exporters to provide information on the qualifying criteria for goods exported from the OECS into Europe under the Economic Partnership Agreement. The first workshop will be held in St. Kitts/Nevis on 30-31st August.
The next issue of UpDate will treat with regional and international trade issues.
Email contact: tpu@oecs.org
An Update from the OECS Trade Policy Unit on Trade Matters of Importance to the Sub Region
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