The EU and the Doha Round

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• The EU and the Doha Round
• WTO Negotiations on Trade Facilitation The Role
  of the European Union

Frankfurt, June 05
Nora Neufeld, WTO
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Overview

• Trade Facilitation in the Doha Round A Special
  Case?

• The many Roles of the European Union

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Part 1

• Trade Facilitation in the Doha Round A Special
  Case?

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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?
A peculiar beginning...

• Difficult birth

• Long Road to Take-off

? Singapore
? Seattle
? Doha
? Cancun
? July deal
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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?

• Causes for headaches

• Substance?

... but ...
? Complex surroundings
? Different interests
? Linkages
? Game-play
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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?
? Late start

• Implications

? Same finishing line

• Single Undertaking Principle

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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?

• Basis for Negotiations

? General Council Decision, Annex D

• Review and clarify GATT Articles V, VIII and X

• Expedite the moment, release and clearance of
  goods

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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?
... but promising take-off ...

• Positive developments

• Constructive environment

• Translation into concrete progress

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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?

• First results

• Almost 40 concrete negotiating proposals from the
  whole spectrum of the membership

• Simplification/reduction/standardization of
  import/export-related fees and formalities

• Creation of more transparent and predictable
  trading environment

• Enhancement of non-discrimination and due process

• Increased consultation/cooperation

• Facilitation of goods transit, etc.

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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?

• Developments reflected

• Breaking-up of previous camps

• Formation of new coalitions

• Broad support

• Shift in perception

• Good basis for future work

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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?

• Objectives

• Lowered trade transaction costs

• Better resource allocation

• Improved investment climate

• Common direction of national efforts

• Sustainability of reforms

• Enhanced participation in international trade ...
  etc.

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1. TF in the Doha Round A Special Case?

• Road ahead

? Keep up the pace
? ... without losing anyone
? Other key requirements

• Milestones

• Outlook

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Part 2

• Roles of the European Union

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2. Roles of the European Union

• Initiator

? Instrumental in adding Trade Facilitation to
the WTO agenda
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2. Roles of the European Union

• Driving Force

? Constant engine and key input provider
? Multiple contributions
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2. Roles of the European Union

• Catalyst

? Fresh impetus to old efforts
? Bringing new parties on board
? Synergies
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2. Roles of the European Union

• Coalition Builder

? Within the Union
? Between various other WTO Members
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2. Roles of the European Union

• Aid and Expertise Provider

? Key role of technical assistance and support
for capacity building
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2. Roles of the European Union

• Role Model

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2. Roles of the European Union

• Changes

? Impact of enlargement ?
? Other
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2. Roles of the European Union

• Requirements for the future

• Key challenges