Simplification and Harmonization of Rules of Origin (ROO)
Post-event Statement
Senior trade officials from 15 ADB developing countries from ASEAN and SAARC member states and the ASEAN Secretariat participated in the workshop on simplification and harmonization of rules of origin (ROO), held at ADB Thailand Resident Mission from 18 to 21 March 2008. Worapot Manupipatpong, Director for Capacity Building and Training of ADB Institute opened the workshop. After close examination of existing preferential and non-preferential ROO, such as ASEAN's AFTA and SAARC's SAFTA as well as those of EU, Japan and the United States, participants discussed and identified various approaches for simplification and harmonization of ROO. They include: early adoption of the draft harmonized ROO developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for non-preferential trade or global application; application of best practices in various FTA ROO; harmonization of technical terms used in FTA ROO; use of the draft Harmonized ROO in a FTA ROO as far as possible; and simplification of certification procedures. See Executive Summary of Proceedings. |
Purpose
The main objective of this workshop is to examine the ROO components in key FTA in Asia, such as those of ASEAN, SAARC, EU, Japan and United States as well as the draft Harmonized ROO developed by World Customs Organization for global application, and to draw implications and recommendations for simplification and possible harmonization of ROO to further facilitate cross-border trade.
Objectives
This workshop will address the following three main activities: - To review ROO policies (both preferential and non-preferential) of major trading partners (EU, Japan and United States) and to examine the draft Harmonized ROO developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO);
- To examine preferential ROO, such as under GSP (generalized system of preferences), NAFTA (North America Free Trade Area), ASEAN AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area), and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation); and
- To draw implications and recommendations for possible simplification and harmonization of ROO
Outputs
- Executive summary
- Recommendations for possible simplification and harmonization of ROO
- ADBI website on this workshop
- Strengthened network among participants and speakers
- Better understanding on ROO practices and its implication on cross-border trade
Participants
Participants from 15 ADB member countries and ASEAN/SAARC Secretariats: (ASEAN) Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Philippines; Thailand; and Viet Nam; (SAARC) Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; Nepal; and Pakistan; and PRC and Republic of Korea.
How to Apply
By invitation only.
Language
English
Cosponsors
Office of Regional Ecnomic Integration, ADB Headquarters and ADB Thai Resident Mission, Bangkok); UNCTAD, Geneva; and Government of Japan (MOF)
|
About ADBINews & EventsSpecial ProgramsPartnerships
News and Events
Back to Top
