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WTO Successfully Completes Agreement in Bali

After meeting from December 3-6, 2013, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed on a major deal for the first time. The historical deal, which was struck in Bali, Indonesia on December 7, is designed to increase trade among countries by reducing legal challenges and costs. It is known as the Bali Package and is part of ongoing WTO negotiations that were started in the 2001 Doha Development Round. The Bali Package is anticipated to add 1 trillion dollars to the world economy and the focus of the agreement is in trade facilitation, agriculture, and issues faced by developing countries.
  
Trade facilitation is defined by the WTO as the simplification and harmonization of international trade procedures. Many countries have import regulations that are complex or that require a level of compliance that can be a large obstacle to countries or companies that do not have the resources to be compliant. Trade facilitation in the Bali Package is aimed towards reducing bureaucracy and making trade easier, cheaper, and more transparent.

Many developing nations were concerned entering the talks as they did not want to lose food security plans or subsidies already in place; however the agreement allows developing countries to continue with food subsidies as long as they do not distort trade. One downfall to this is that future adjustments to food or farm subsidies must be approved by the WTO prior to implementation as a measure to ensure trade is not distorted.

Developing countries, also called less-developed countries (LDC), have a lower standard of living, a less developed industrial force, and a low human development index when compared to other countries. Due to trade barriers and government programs, it has been historically difficult for LDCs to enter the global marketplace, an issue the Bali Package tries to address through the increased visibility and focus on preferential duty programs. 

Should the anticipated trade facilitations and considerations for less developed countries take effect; there could be great benefits to the global economy. While the Bali Package is still in the earliest of stages, the full effect won’t be known for years to come. While there is still much work to be done in the areas of trade liberalization and facilitation, the WTO has managed to take the first step.

About Allyn

Incorporated in 1992, Allyn is a privately held professional services firm that employs 160 personnel in 9 countries. Allyn has 6 Licensed Customs Brokers on staff, and over 20 years of experience in the following industries:  Electronics, Automotive, Power Generation, Oil and Gas, Drilling and Mining, Textiles, Chemicals, Paints and Coatings, Telecommunications, Computing, Automotive, Jewelry and Process Equipment. 

Aside from Global Trade Compliance, Allyn provides the following services to our clients. 
•    Logistics Management
•    Supply Chain Consulting
•    Tax Management
Allyn’s mission is “Providing exceptional services for the global marketplace, enabling our customers to succeed by focusing on their core business, while inspiring our employees to achieve their full potential”.

Please visit us at www.allynintl.com or if you would like more information on this or any other Global Trade Compliance matter please contact Allyn at (239) 489-9900 or email us at sales@allynintl.com

 

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