## Trade Reform in the CEMAC: Developments and Opportunities

_IMF Working Papers, June 1, 2007_

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## Bibliographic details
- Authors: Charalambos G Tsangarides, Jan Kees Martijn
- Published: June 1, 2007
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451867015.001

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### Summary and key findings
- 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:
  - There is a need for a renewed political commitment to regional integration.
  - Key measures for improving compliance with the requirements for a customs union include:
    - limiting tariff exemptions,
    - phasing out remaining surcharges,
    - strengthening the determination of products' country origin,
    - enhancing customs administration.
  - There is a need to improve transportation infrastructure and organization.
  - There is a strong case for tariff reduction, with or without an EPA.
  - Trade liberalization would help boost economic growth and poverty alleviation and limit risks of trade diversion with an EPA.
  - Tariff reform should be complemented by improvements in domestic revenue mobilization.

### Quantitative assessment and data limitations
- 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.

### Policy recommendations and implications
- Renew political commitment to regional integration across CEMAC member countries.
- Implement measures to improve customs-union compliance:
  - Limit tariff exemptions.
  - Phase out remaining surcharges.
  - Strengthen procedures for determining products' country of origin.
  - Enhance customs administration capabilities.
- Improve transportation infrastructure and organizational arrangements to facilitate trade.
- Pursue tariff reduction policies, irrespective of an EPA outcome, to:
  - Boost economic growth.
  - Promote poverty alleviation.
  - Limit risks of trade diversion associated with an EPA.
- Complement tariff reform with measures to improve domestic revenue mobilization.

### Publication and metadata
- 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

*Trade Reform in the CEMAC: Developments and Opportunities, IMF Working Paper No. 2007/137.*

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2016/12/31/trade-reform-in-the-cemac-developments-and-opportunities-21011_