Liberalisation of goods trade has enjoyed substantial advances in Southern Africa in recent years, notably through the SADC and COMESA free trade agreements (FTAs). Notwithstanding ongoing problems with rules of origin pertaining to tariff concessions, tariff rates have been reduced substantially and processes established to liberalise and/or harmonise services trade and associated regulations. Yet major obstacles to the actual conduct of trade remain. Both SADC and COMESA have recognised this and established processes to address non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Key to the success of those processes is identifying the most problematic NTBs, and establishing institutions to effectively deal with them.
In late 2006 SAIIA, supported by TIPS, initiated analysis of these issues through a pilot-study of South Africa-Zimbabwe trade via the Beit Bridge border post – the busiest border in Southern Africa. Join us to discuss the interim findings, and to discuss a proposed follow-up study based on the findings of this pilot research.
Available for download:
Working Paper: The Cost of Non-tariff Barriers to Business along the North–South Corridor (South Africa–Zimbabwe) via Beit Bridge: A Preliminary Study and Working Paper by Gregory Mthembu-Salter
Terms of Reference: Non-tariff Barriers to Trade in Southern Africa – Towards a Measurement Approach
Minutes: Workshop on The Cost of Non-tariff Barriers to Business along the North-South Corridor (South Africa-Zimbabwe) via Beit Bridge – Presented by Gregory Mthembu-Salter
Media Coverage: South Africa: Non-Tariff Barriers Blocking Flow of Goods – AllAfrica.com
Date : Wednesday 29 August, 2007.
Time : 10h30 – 12h30 (A lunch will follow).
Venue : BUSA Offices.
RSVP to Judy Govender (by Friday 24th August)
Tel: 011-339-2021
Fax: 011-339-2154
Email: Judy.Govender@wits.ac.za
