BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:unctad.org BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6a72b8bf1675b DTSTART:20251111T004500Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE DTEND:20251111T090000Z LOCATION:Manila\, Philippines SUMMARY:ADB-UNCTAD rules of origin forum: Advancing convergence and simplif ication of rules of origin in Asia and the Pacific CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:Asia and the Pacific is home to one of the world’s most dynam ic trade networks\, yet overlapping free trade agreements (FTAs) have crea ted a complex web of product-specific rules of origin (PSROs) and certific ation procedures. This “noodle bowl” of origin requirements increases compliance costs\, complicates supply chain operations\, and reduces the e ffective use of FTAs across the region.To address these challenges\, the A sian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have carried out a joint analytical programme compar ing PSROs across major regional trade agreements—including RCEP\, ATIGA\ , CPTPP\, and ASEAN+1 frameworks. The research identifies both a high leve l of substantive convergence and practical options to streamline and harmo nize rules of origin without renegotiating existing agreements.ObjectiveTh e Forum aims to translate evidence-based research into practical reform. I t will:Present concrete PSRO reform and convergence options developed by A DB and UNCTAD.Facilitate dialogue among policymakers and negotiators from RCEP and ASEAN economies on adopting streamlined and trade-facilitating PS ROs.Strengthen the link between analytical research and negotiation practi ce\, ensuring that technical options support trade facilitation and region al value chain integration.Identify priority sectors where convergence can be achieved rapidly\, including agriculture\, industrial goods\, and proc essed foods.Format and ParticipantsThe two-day Forum will bring together:S enior trade negotiators and experts from RCEP participating countries\;Rep resentatives of regional and international organizations (RCEP Support Uni t\, WTO\, WCO\, APEC\, ERIA)\;Private sector leaders from industries most affected by origin complexity\, including textiles\, electronics\, automot ive\, and agrifood\; andTrade practitioners and researchers contributing c omparative insights and best practices.Sessions will include plenary discu ssions\, technical panels\, and feedback rounds focused on sectoral conver gence\, performance assessment\, and adoption pathways.Expected OutcomesBy the end of the Forum\, participants will have:A shared understanding of s ector-specific PSRO convergence options and legal drafting approaches.Cons ensus on priority areas for reform and a practical roadmap to guide implem entation.Strengthened collaboration between research institutions\, negoti ators\, and regional partners to advance simplification of rules of origin in Asia and the Pacific.<\;p class="\;text-align-justify\n\nView me eting on unctad.org\nhttps://unctad.org/meeting/adb-unctad-rules-origin-fo rum-advancing-convergence-and-simplification-rules-origin-asia DTSTAMP:20260805T041455Z END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6a72b8bf167b1 DTSTART:20251112T004500Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE DTEND:20251112T090000Z LOCATION:Manila\, Philippines SUMMARY:ADB-UNCTAD rules of origin forum: Advancing convergence and simplif ication of rules of origin in Asia and the Pacific CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:Asia and the Pacific is home to one of the world’s most dynam ic trade networks\, yet overlapping free trade agreements (FTAs) have crea ted a complex web of product-specific rules of origin (PSROs) and certific ation procedures. This “noodle bowl” of origin requirements increases compliance costs\, complicates supply chain operations\, and reduces the e ffective use of FTAs across the region.To address these challenges\, the A sian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have carried out a joint analytical programme compar ing PSROs across major regional trade agreements—including RCEP\, ATIGA\ , CPTPP\, and ASEAN+1 frameworks. The research identifies both a high leve l of substantive convergence and practical options to streamline and harmo nize rules of origin without renegotiating existing agreements.ObjectiveTh e Forum aims to translate evidence-based research into practical reform. I t will:Present concrete PSRO reform and convergence options developed by A DB and UNCTAD.Facilitate dialogue among policymakers and negotiators from RCEP and ASEAN economies on adopting streamlined and trade-facilitating PS ROs.Strengthen the link between analytical research and negotiation practi ce\, ensuring that technical options support trade facilitation and region al value chain integration.Identify priority sectors where convergence can be achieved rapidly\, including agriculture\, industrial goods\, and proc essed foods.Format and ParticipantsThe two-day Forum will bring together:S enior trade negotiators and experts from RCEP participating countries\;Rep resentatives of regional and international organizations (RCEP Support Uni t\, WTO\, WCO\, APEC\, ERIA)\;Private sector leaders from industries most affected by origin complexity\, including textiles\, electronics\, automot ive\, and agrifood\; andTrade practitioners and researchers contributing c omparative insights and best practices.Sessions will include plenary discu ssions\, technical panels\, and feedback rounds focused on sectoral conver gence\, performance assessment\, and adoption pathways.Expected OutcomesBy the end of the Forum\, participants will have:A shared understanding of s ector-specific PSRO convergence options and legal drafting approaches.Cons ensus on priority areas for reform and a practical roadmap to guide implem entation.Strengthened collaboration between research institutions\, negoti ators\, and regional partners to advance simplification of rules of origin in Asia and the Pacific.<\;p class="\;text-align-justify\n\nView me eting on unctad.org\nhttps://unctad.org/meeting/adb-unctad-rules-origin-fo rum-advancing-convergence-and-simplification-rules-origin-asia DTSTAMP:20260805T041455Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR