| As the first generation of trade reforms, consisting mainly of easing of border restrictions to merchandize trade and liberalization of foreign exchange markets, have been or are being implemented by the majority of developing countries, it is becoming obvious that their successful integration into the world economy increasingly depends on the realization of a series of complex, behind-border measures that fall under the heading of trade facilitation. Broadly defined, these measures include anything from institutional and regulatory reform to customs and port efficiency and are inherently far more intricate and costly to implement. The World Bank attaches great importance to trade facilitation, as witnessed by its existing portfolio of eighty projects under implementation, totaling $4.6 billion. Indeed, the Bank’s largest and more rapidly increasing trade-related work is in the area of trade facilitation and competitiveness.Â
For a summary of Bank activities on Trade Facilitation see:
Trade Facilitation in the World Bank (pdf - 58k)
Customs Reform
Global Facilitation Partnership for Transportation and Trade
Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Transport Program
Trade and Transport Facilitation and Logistics
Trade and Transport Facilitation in Southeast Europe Program
|
RSS