{
  "title": "Trade Reform in the CEMAC: Developments and Opportunities",
  "publication": "IMF Working Papers, June 1, 2007",
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  "summary": "This paper provides an update on the main elements of the reform agenda concerning the CEMAC trade regime as well as a tentative quantitative assessment of selected effects on tariff revenues and trade patterns. Notwithstanding data limitations, the key messages from the analysis are as follows.",
  "sections": [
    {
      "heading": "Summary and key findings",
      "content": "- The paper updates the main elements of the reform agenda concerning the CEMAC trade regime and provides a tentative quantitative assessment of selected effects on tariff revenues and trade patterns.\n- Notwithstanding data limitations, key messages are:\n  - There is a need for a renewed political commitment to regional integration.\n  - Key measures for improving compliance with the requirements for a customs union include:\n    - limiting tariff exemptions,\n    - phasing out remaining surcharges,\n    - strengthening the determination of products' country origin,\n    - enhancing customs administration.\n  - There is a need to improve transportation infrastructure and organization.\n  - There is a strong case for tariff reduction, with or without an EPA.\n  - Trade liberalization would help boost economic growth and poverty alleviation and limit risks of trade diversion with an EPA.\n  - Tariff reform should be complemented by improvements in domestic revenue mobilization."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Quantitative assessment and data limitations",
      "content": "- The paper contains a tentative quantitative assessment of selected effects on tariff revenues and trade patterns.\n- The authors note data limitations that constrain the analysis and the strength of quantitative conclusions."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Policy recommendations and implications",
      "content": "- Renew political commitment to regional integration across CEMAC member countries.\n- Implement measures to improve customs-union compliance:\n  - Limit tariff exemptions.\n  - Phase out remaining surcharges.\n  - Strengthen procedures for determining products' country of origin.\n  - Enhance customs administration capabilities.\n- Improve transportation infrastructure and organizational arrangements to facilitate trade.\n- Pursue tariff reduction policies, irrespective of an EPA outcome, to:\n  - Boost economic growth.\n  - Promote poverty alleviation.\n  - Limit risks of trade diversion associated with an EPA.\n- Complement tariff reform with measures to improve domestic revenue mobilization."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Publication and metadata",
      "content": "- Authors: Charalambos G Tsangarides, Jan Kees Martijn\n- Publication date: June 1, 2007\n- Series: Working Paper No. 2007/137\n- Issue: 137\n- Volume: 2007\n- Pages: 24\n- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451867015.001\n- Stock No: WPIEA2007137\n- ISBN: 9781451867015\n- ISSN: 1018-5941\n- Subjects: Exports, Imports, Tariffs, Trade liberalization, Trade policy\n- Keywords: CEMAC country, CEMAC import tariff, marketing CEMAC export, member country, trade regime, WP\n\nTrade Reform in the CEMAC: Developments and Opportunities, IMF Working Paper No. 2007/137.\n\n---\n\n Content in this bundle\n\n- Wp07137\n  - Wp07137 (Markdown version){rel=\"alternate\" type=\"text/markdown\"}\n  - Wp07137 (PDF){rel=\"external\" type=\"application/pdf\"}\n\n---\n\nSource: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2016/12/31/trade-reform-in-the-cemac-developments-and-opportunities-21011"
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    "Authors: Charalambos G Tsangarides, Jan Kees Martijn",
    "Published: June 1, 2007",
    "Series: IMF Working Papers",
    "DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451867015.001",
    "The paper updates the main elements of the reform agenda concerning the CEMAC trade regime and provides a tentative quantitative assessment of selected effects on tariff revenues and trade patterns.",
    "Notwithstanding data limitations, key messages are:",
    "The paper contains a tentative quantitative assessment of selected effects on tariff revenues and trade patterns.",
    "The authors note data limitations that constrain the analysis and the strength of quantitative conclusions.",
    "Renew political commitment to regional integration across CEMAC member countries.",
    "Implement measures to improve customs-union compliance:",
    "Improve transportation infrastructure and organizational arrangements to facilitate trade.",
    "Pursue tariff reduction policies, irrespective of an EPA outcome, to:",
    "Complement tariff reform with measures to improve domestic revenue mobilization.",
    "Authors: Charalambos G Tsangarides, Jan Kees Martijn",
    "Publication date: June 1, 2007",
    "Series: Working Paper No. 2007/137",
    "Issue: 137",
    "Volume: 2007",
    "Pages: 24",
    "DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451867015.001",
    "Stock No: WPIEA2007137",
    "ISBN: 9781451867015",
    "ISSN: 1018-5941",
    "Subjects: Exports, Imports, Tariffs, Trade liberalization, Trade policy",
    "Keywords: CEMAC country, CEMAC import tariff, marketing CEMAC export, member country, trade regime, WP",
    "**Wp07137**"
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