World Bank, Africa Trade Policy Notes Note #15
This note briefly discusses the recent export performance in SSA and the impact of the global crisis on trade. It proceeds to argue that regional integration in SSA can play a critical role in allowing countries to exploit opportunities for export diversification bothin re! gional and global markets. The note discusses recent progress in a number of
regional trade agreements (RTAs) in SSA, especially with regard to reducing tariffs on regional trade, but argues that considerable
potential for intra-regional trade in both goods and services remains unexploited due to the persistence of policy-related barriers. Two key areas require attention: disciplining and removing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and achieving more integrated services markets. In both cases the policy agenda revolves around regulations, their impact on trade and appropriate rules for integrated markets.
Author(s): Ian Gillson, Paul Brenton, Mombert Hoppe, Nora Dihel