Background
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In 2015, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), conducted the first comprehensive data collection of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) in the 10 ASEAN countries.
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In 2018, ERIA and UNCTAD collected and classified NTMs in the 10 ASEAN countries (TRAINS Online (unctad.org)) and six regional dialogue partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand). The accompanying reports can be found here:
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https://www.eria.org/publications/non-tariff-measures-in-asean/
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https://www.eria.org/publications/non-tariff-measures--an-update/
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https://www.eria.org/publications/regional-integration-and-non-tariff-measures-in-asean/
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The ASEAN database for NTMs in ASEAN has received endorsement from ASEAN as the primary resource for ASEAN Member States to populate and enhance the NTMs section of their National Trade Repository. Subsequently, numerous capacity-building initiatives and research activities have been conducted to support this endeavour.
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Significant developments have occurred in the regional and international landscape in recent years. Heightened global uncertainties arising from tensions related to trade, technology, and security between the United States and China, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and other factors have underscored the importance of bolstering economic integration and minimising unnecessary regulatory burdens, including those imposed by restrictive NTMs. The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) by 15 leaders further reinforces the commitment to enhance economic cooperation in this region. Furthermore, emerging issues such as digital transformation, new technologies, and sustainable development necessitate substantial policy reforms and effective trade facilitation to address these challenges effectively.
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To enhance the policymaking process in response to these new developments, it is essential to have access to the most up-to-date information.
Project Objective and Outputs
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To objective of the project is to update the existing ASEAN+6 NTMs database by collecting and validating the latest information on NTMs from official sources. The project aims to provide an updated NTMs database for the ASEAN+6 countries. It is important to note that there is no need to revise the old database if the regulations remain unchanged. The focus is on updating the database when new regulations are introduced, revised, or revoked, ensuring that the information remains accurate and current.
Project Timeline
The project is scheduled to run from March 2024 to December 2024.
Interested candidates should apply by following the instructions at Call for Proposals: ERIA–UNCTAD Project on Updating Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) 16 East Asian Countries - Research : ERIA
