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Implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement: From vision to reality

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  • Neufeld, Nora

Abstract

After a decade of negotiations and additional preparatory work, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) is poised to enter into force. It promises to streamline and substantially prune the red tape that all too often slows and impedes international commerce - thereby significantly reducing both cost and time needed to do business across borders. The paper chronicles the path from the conclusion of the talks at the 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference to the present day as we prepare for the Agreement to take effect. It reviews the state of the ratification process, analyses implementation schedules and outlines work still to be done. The study shows that the emerging application of the TFA, like its negotiation, has once again confounded the sceptics - who first doubted that a TF Agreement would see the light of day and then questioned if it would ever be put into practice. While plenty remains to be done to implement the TFA across the full WTO membership, its entry into force is set to happen - a valedictory moment.

Suggested Citation

  • Neufeld, Nora, 2016. "Implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement: From vision to reality," WTO Staff Working Papers ERSD-2016-14, World Trade Organization (WTO), Economic Research and Statistics Division.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wtowps:ersd201614
    DOI: 10.30875/b4710f9c-en
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ben Czapnik, 2015. "The Unique Features of the Trade Facilitation Agreement: A Revolutionary New Approach to Multilateral Negotiations or the Exception Which Proves the Rule?," Journal of International Economic Law, Oxford University Press, vol. 18(4), pages 773-794.
    2. Neufeld, Nora, 2014. "The long and winding road: How WTO members finally reached a trade facilitation agreement," WTO Staff Working Papers ERSD-2014-06, World Trade Organization (WTO), Economic Research and Statistics Division.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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