Regional Policy Forum on Trade Facilitation and SMEs in Times of Crisis Beijing, 22 May 09 Nora Neufeld, WTO WTO Negotiations on Trade Facilitation State-of-Play

Overview  Latest developments  Progress made  Road ahead

Part 1  Latest developments

 Moving forward 1. Latest developments  Steady progress  Parameters of the envisaged TF Agreement are taking clear shape  Good idea of likely content  Positive climate despite challenging overall environment

 Main areas of attention  Proposals −Ongoing refinement and consolidation process  Needs assessment program −Complementary activities 1. Latest developments

 Member-driven  Bottom-up  Transparent  Inclusive 1. Latest developments  Principles of operation

Part 2  Progress made

 What’s on the table? 2. Progress made Improved regulatory framework Enhanced due process rights Reduction of multiple and sometimes contradictory recommendations that have no guarantee of being enforced  Framework for eliminating many NTBs Enhanced competitiveness and better integration into the global economy Common direction & sustainability of reforms

 Special relevance for SMEs 2. Progress made  increased trading opportunities  lower transaction costs  more transparent, predictable and efficient trading environment  reduced discrimination

 Proposals of particular interest for SMEs 2. Progress made  Examples

 Main reference documents 2. Progress made (TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18) (JOB(09)40))  Compilation of negotiating proposals  Document summarizing the state of work on S&D

Part 3  Road ahead

 Remaining work to be done 3. Road ahead Consolidation process Refinement of proposals Advancement of S&D work

 Next steps 3. Road ahead Process Prospects

 Requirements 3. Road ahead  Enhanced engagement  Readiness to compromise  Cooperation & coordination  Serious commitment

Summary  Good progress made  Promising outcome  Particular potential for SMEs  Need for committed, flexible, joint approach