Trade monitoring
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Trade facilitation in the Arab region
This chapter aims to assess the progress of trade facilitation in the Arab region, and subsequently tests the effect of trade facilitation on bilateral trade flows within this region. The findings support the fact that the performance of Arab countries’ logistics systems in general is still weak and needs to be improved, as indicated by the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Vast divergence and discrepancies among Arab countries can be observed because of differences in income levels and geopolitical conditions. Hence, while some Arab countries try to develop logistics activities to take advantage of opportunities, seeking to establish regional logistics platforms, others are not only ranked among the lowest on the overall index, but are also near the bottom of the list for the different components of the LPI. The estimations presented here suggest that trade facilitation has positive impacts on intra-regional trade but that its scope is rather limited. Indeed, an improvement in trade facilitation (LPI score) of the exporting country by 1 per cent increases trade flows by 0.7 per cent. This impact could be higher and reach more than 2 per cent when sensitivity analysis is included. An improvement in trade facilitation (LPI score) of the importing country by 1 per cent boosts trade flows by 0.66 per cent. The results of this chapter show that there are slight gains in trade to be made from improving trade facilitation in Arab countries. Despite the fact that the overall LPI score is significant for both exporting and importing countries, the magnitude of that significance is relatively small compared with previous research findings regarding the same measures in other regions. However, the study suggests that trade facilitation could have a greater impact on trade among Arab countries and with other regions and underlines the importance of developing transport and physical infrastructure to enhance regional integration and trade cooperation.
Examens des politiques commerciales
En 2013, l’Organe d’examen des politiques commerciales a procédé à la cinquième évaluation du Mécanisme d’examen des politiques commerciales et a tenu 15 réunions pour examiner les politiques et pratiques commerciales de 20 Membres. Examens des politiques commerciales www.wto.org/mepc_f
Introduction
The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was first established on a trial basis by the GATT contracting parties in April 1989. The Mechanism became a permanent feature of the World Trade Organization under the Marrakesh Agreement which established the WTO in January 1995.
Sans titre
En 2013, l’Organe d’appel a distribué des rapports dans deux différends, qui concernaient des mesures du Canada dans le secteur de l’énergie renouvelable. Plus tôt dans l’année, le Canada avait fait appel des constatations figurant dans les rapports des Groupes spéciaux sur les deux affaires. Une procédure d’arbitrage concernant le délai raisonnable pour la mise en oeuvre des recommandations et décisions de l’Organe de règlement des différends a été menée en 2013. Deux membres de l’Organe d’appel, M. Ricardo Ramírez-Hernández et M. Peter Van den Bossche, ont achevé leur premier mandat et ont été reconduits dans leurs fonctions. M. David Unterhalter a achevé son second et dernier mandat. Un nouveau membre de l’Organe d’appel sera désigné en 2014.
Dispute settlement activity in 2012
There was a sharp increase in dispute settlement activity in 2012 with both developed and developing countries active in bringing disputes to the WTO for resolution. Some WTO members, including Russia, participated for the first time. Disputes covered a wide variety of areas, including some that are less often adjudicated, such as issues under the General Agreement on Trade in Services. The European Union and Latin American countries formally settled the long-running banana disputes. Efforts to achieve efficiencies in dispute settlement processes continued. Finally, the legal affairs division celebrated an important anniversary.
Report by the WTO Secretariat
The mining sector plays a critical role in Zambia’s economy, exercising a heavy influence over growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and the external accounts. Since mid 2008, world copper prices have fallen by more than 60% and there have been cutbacks in production in Zambia. Adjusting to this external shock has confronted the Zambian Government with a major economic policy challenge.
Commerce et développement
En 2010, le Comité du commerce et du développement (CCD) a achevé les négociations sur un mécanisme pour la transparence des accords commerciaux préférentiels, qui a ensuite été adopté par le Conseil général. Parmi les autres questions examinées par le CCD et son Sous-Comité des pays les moins avancés (PMA) figuraient les activités de renforcement des capacités, l'accès aux marchés pour les PMA , l'initiative Aide pour le commerce et les activités d'assistance technique de l'OMC.