ECA Supports Maghreb countries on Rules of Origin

Abstract

From 30 November to December 1st in Casablanca (Morocco), the Economic Commission for Africa (Office for North Africa) held a capacity-building workshop on rules of origin. Organised within the framework of ECA’s cooperation with the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), this training aimed to support the Maghreb Working Group on Rules of Origin in setting up a protocol in this field. Participants examined trends in multilateral negotiations, international and regional experiences and practices, and acquired technical tools that will help them accomplish their mission. Rules of origin are, by definition, criteria which help determine goods’ countries of origin. They are used to determine the rights and limitations applying to products when imported or exported to third markets, they also play a key role in the formulation of trade policies and preferential trade agreements, and therefore determine how profitable they can be for the various involved parties.