International transport and trade facilitation in North Africa

Abstract

The study revolves around six major axes. The first one briefly looks into national policies and existing regulatory frameworks for transport and trade facilitation in North African countries to highlight the link between the legal system and the goal of building a competitive and enabling environment for trade. The second axis deals with the state of transport and trade infrastructure and their performance level. The third axis examines the effectiveness and limitations of the systems put in place in the Maghreb countries, based on indicators regarding the number of documents required, the time required for customs clearance and other costs involved in an import or export activity. Axis IV deals with “international norms and standards for trade and transport facilitation.” This part reviews existing best practices and makes an overview of the efforts made by North African countries to ensure compliance with existing international conventions. Axis V examines the opportunities and challenges for North African countries relative to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement concluded in December 2013 (the Bali Agreement). Finally, chapter VI introduces a regional outline action plan aimed at improving trade and transport between North African countries. This is a set of practical reforms and facilitation measures in connection with the transport and transit of goods across the main land borders as well as the organization and efficient implementation of control and clearance operations.