Regional Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness DPO

closed

Closed

The development objective of the First Regional Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness Development Policy Operation Project for Africa is to reduce trade transaction costs along the Abidjan-Ouagadougou corridor. This innovative development policy operation (DPO) addresses previously unsolved issues affecting trade and transport by offering a common framework for coordinating reforms in the two countries. The program is structured around five pillars: pillar A, professionalizing and formalizing the trucking industry: (A1) business enabling environment promoting professionalization and formalization of the trucking industry; (A2) professional organization representing the trucking industry; and (A3) implementation of axle load regulations. Pillar B, modernizing the organization of the trucking market: (B1) efficiency of road transport operations through better contractual relations between trucking companies and shippers; and (B2) efficiency of road transport operations through a more efficient truck fleet. Pillar C, enhancing the competitiveness of maritime and inland gateways: (C1) port and terminals operational efficiency and prices. Pillar D: improving customs clearance: (D1) availability of information on trade procedures and regulations; (D2) customs clearance procedures and reward of compliance; and (D3) professional standards for customs and logistics service providers. Pillar E: facilitating transit: (E1) border crossing procedures; and (E2) transit regime. By lowering the currently high transport costs, facilitating trade, and promoting regional integration, the reforms supported by this program are expected to have broad-based welfare gains in countries, benefiting among others producers of exported products (including farmers), consumers of imported goods and firms using imported inputs.

FY17 - Industry, Trade and Services,FY17 - Transportation

World Bank Group

Project

Road, Warehouse, Seaport, Government