30 An exploration of the need for and cost of selected trade facilitation measures in Asia and the Pacific in the context of the WTO negotiations
Table III.1 also highlights disparities across countries. For example, there is strong
disagreement that an effective advance ruling system is in place in Nepal, but the advance
ruling system in Indonesia receives favorable ratings. Also, the private sector in Bangladesh
seems particularly dissatisfied with the implementation of almost all measures related to
transparency, fees and formalities related to importation and exportation (Articles VIII
and X) considered in the survey, while Chinese private sector ratings tend to be positive,
except in terms of documentation requirements and the existence of an independent
appeal mechanism.
B. Private sector priorities
Table III.2 summarizes how private sector respondents in each of the countries
studied prioritize fourteen trade facilitation measures mainly related to Articles VIII and X.
Elimination of bribery and other corrupt practices of officials involved in the clearance
and release of imported goods is given top priority in all the countries. Improvement of
coordination between relevant agencies, particularly on documentation requirements, e.g.,
through the establishment of a single window for one-time submission and collection of
trade documents, is also given very high priority in all the countries. Timely and
comprehensive publication and dissemination of trade rules and regulations (e.g., through
the Internet) is the highest priority in Indonesia and Nepal, while reduction and simplification
of the documentation requirements for import/export is the highest priority in Bangladesh.
Beginning and, if possible, completing clearance of goods before they arrive
physically in the customs territory is a priority for the Chinese private sector and, to
a lesser extent, for India, but not for the other countries. Establishment of enquiry points
receives high priority in Indonesia, but not in other countries. Establishment of an advance
ruling system is a top priority for the Nepalese private sector. Interestingly, establishment
of a consultation mechanism through which traders can provide inputs on proposed new or
amended rules and regulations, or improvement in customs inspection and control procedures
through risk analysis and authorized traders channels are relatively low priorities in most
countries.
C. Key problem areas for trade facilitation
Table III.3 highlights the 4 trade facilitation areas/issues that are identified as most
problematic by the private sector respondents. Inspection and release ofgoods and tariff
classification are identified as two of the top four problem areas that may be addressed
within the scope of the current WTO negotiations.
The areas and issues identified go beyond the current scope of the WTO trade
facilitation negotiations. In particular, customs valuation, which is not part of the negotiation,
is ranked as the most, or second most, problematic issue by the private sector in all
countries surveyed. Technical or sanitary requirements is ranked as the fourth most
problematic area overall, and as the most problematic area by the Chinese respondents.