Asia and the Pacific is home to one of the world’s most dynamic trade networks, yet overlapping free trade agreements (FTAs) have created a complex web of product-specific rules of origin (PSROs) and certification procedures. This “noodle bowl” of origin requirements increases compliance costs, complicates supply chain operations, and reduces the effective use of FTAs across the region.
To address these challenges, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have carried out a joint analytical programme comparing PSROs across major regional trade agreements—including RCEP, ATIGA, CPTPP, and ASEAN+1 frameworks. The research identifies both a high level of substantive convergence and practical options to streamline and harmonize rules of origin without renegotiating existing agreements.
Objective
The Forum aims to translate evidence-based research into practical reform. It will:
Present concrete PSRO reform and convergence options developed by ADB and UNCTAD.
Facilitate dialogue among policymakers and negotiators from RCEP and ASEAN economies on adopting streamlined and trade-facilitating PSROs.
Strengthen the link between analytical research and negotiation practice, ensuring that technical options support trade facilitation and regional value chain integration.
Identify priority sectors where convergence can be achieved rapidly, including agriculture, industrial goods, and processed foods.
Format and Participants
The two-day Forum will bring together:
Senior trade negotiators and experts from RCEP participating countries;
Representatives of regional and international organizations (RCEP Support Unit, WTO, WCO, APEC, ERIA);
Private sector leaders from industries most affected by origin complexity, including textiles, electronics, automotive, and agrifood; and
Trade practitioners and researchers contributing comparative insights and best practices.
Sessions will include plenary discussions, technical panels, and feedback rounds focused on sectoral convergence, performance assessment, and adoption pathways.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the Forum, participants will have:
A shared understanding of sector-specific PSRO convergence options and legal drafting approaches.
Consensus on priority areas for reform and a practical roadmap to guide implementation.
Strengthened collaboration between research institutions, negotiators, and regional partners to advance simplification of rules of origin in Asia and the Pacific.
