Fostering Trade in Africa: Trade Relations, Business Opportunities and Policy Instruments (Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development)

✍ Scribed by Gbadebo O.A. Odularu (editor), Mena Hassan (editor), Musibau Adetunji Babatunde (editor)

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 2020
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 223
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This book discusses trade relations and facilitation issues at both the regional and the continental African level, highlighting the increasing business opportunities and challenges that confront Africa in the digital age. It also examines the effects of trade policies and other policy instruments on Africa’s economic development and presents workable policy measures for a more business-friendly ecosystem. Discussing various topics, including trade relations between African countries, African and international trade agreements, and trade liberalization policies, the book appeals to scholars of economics, business and management as well as professionals and policymakers interested in fostering free trade and sustainable business development in Africa.

✦ Table of Contents

Foreword
Contents
Abbreviations
Introduction: Trade Relations, Business Opportunities and Policy Instruments for Fostering Africa’s Trade
Context and Purpose
Selection and Organization of Chapters
References
Africa and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement: State of Play, Implementation Challenges, and Policy Recommendations in the Digital Era
Introduction
Theoretical Relevance
Non-tariff Measures and the Gains from Trade
The “New New” Trade Theory
The Political Economy of Non-tariff Measures
Challenges Facing African Countries’ Ability to Trade
Benefits from TFA Implementation for African Countries
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
Section I of the TFA
Section II of the TFA
Section III of the TFA
State of Play of TFA Implementation in African Countries
Reflections on Africa’s Implementation Commitments
Implementation Challenges of the TFA in African Countries
(i) National Level
Customs and Trade Authorities
Customs and Border Agencies
Government Bodies and the Business Community
(ii) Regional Level
Cross-Border Posts
Transit
Regional Organizations
Policy Recommendations
Conclusion
References
Correlating Nuances of Trade Facilitation and SPS from an Africa Perspective
Introduction
Objective
Links Between Trade Facilitation and SPS Measures
Assessment of SPS-Related Measures Notified Under TFA
The Relationship Between WTO’s TFA Measures, AfCFTA TF Measures, and SPS Measures
TFA Article 2: Opportunity to Comment, Information Before Entry into Force and Consultations
TFA Article 3: Advance Rulings
TFA Article 4: Procedures for Appeal or Review
TFA Article 5: Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non-discrimination and Transparency
TFA Article 6: Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties
TFA Article 7: Release and Clearance of Goods
TFA Article 8: Border Agency Cooperation
TFA Article 9: Movement of Goods Intended for Import Under Customs Control
TFA Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation, and Transit
TFA Article 11: Freedom of Transit
TFA Article 12: Customs Cooperation
Trade Facilitation Pillars and Pro-SPS TF Measures Notified WTO’s TFA
Transparency Pillar Pro-SPS Notifications
Simplification Pillar Pro-SPS Notifications
Coordination Pillar Pro-SPS Notifications
Harmonization Pillar Pro-SPS Notifications
Standardization Pillar Pro-SPS Notifications
Issues Relevant to Trade Facilitation and SPS in Regional Trade Agreements, CFTA
Ongoing Issues in Implementation
Conclusions
References
Does Trade Facilitation Promote Bilateral Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa? Policy and Issues
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology, Data and Estimation Technique
Model for Empirical Estimation
Description of Variables
Regional Trade Agreements, Common Language and Colonization Ties
Trade Facilitation Policies
Zero Trade Flows
Results and Discussions
Summary Statistics
Diagnostic Tests
Discussion of Results
Summary of Findings
Zero Trade Flows
Summary and Conclusions
Appendix
References
Assessing the Role of Trade Liberalization in Facilitating Trade Flows and Economic Expansion: Evidence from ECOWAS Countries
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodological Approach
The Empirical Model
Method of Analysis
Data and Data Sources
Results and Discussions
Recommendations and Conclusion
References
Promoting Connectivity of Infrastructure in the Context of One Belt, One Road Initiatives: Implications for Africa in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Introduction
Identification and Analysis of the Responses (Strategy, Policies, etc.) to the Infrastructural Challenges by African Countries (Regional Level, Selected National Country Level)
Identification and Analysis of Responses to These Challenges by Africa’s Development Partners (Bilateral, Multilateral, Public, Private)
Identification and Analysis of Responses to These Challenges Through the OBOR Initiative
Assessment of the Costs and Benefits Associated with the OBOR
Identification and Analysis of the Specific Arrangements, Incentives and the Capacity Required to Ensure that This Issue Is Beneficial to African Countries
Concluding Summary
References
The US-China Trade War: What Is Africa’s Gain?
Introduction
The Review of Earlier Trade War
The Genesis of the US-China Trade Conflict
The Cost and Benefits of Trade Conflict on Countries and Globally
How Africa Can Cash in
Trade Liberalization and Regional Trade Agreements of Africa
The Regional Economic Communities and Structure Benefits for Free Trade in Africa
Critical Policies and Maximal Resource Allocation
Protectionist Policies and Effects on Imports
Trade Expansion Policies
Response to Market Signals and Exports
Economic Flexibility and Improved Market Access
Redirection of Trade Opportunities
Investment in Primary Sectors of the Economy
Theoretical Underpinning of Trade Facilitation
Trade Facilitation and Economic Progress in Africa
Trade Facilitation, Market Efficiency, and Growth
Trade Diversification and Economic Progress
The Benefits of Economic Integration
Addressing Limiting Factors that Affect Trade
Infrastructure, Poor Institutional Framework and Corruption
The Dutch Disease Syndrome
Conclusion and Policy Prescriptions
References
Strengthening the Future of US—Africa Trade and Business Relations
Introduction
Shifting U.S. Policy Towards China and the Political Economy of China-Africa Trade Relations
Innovative Tools for Fostering Business Connections between USA and Africa
Conclusion
References
Understanding the Role of Aid for Trade in Enhancing Corridor Development and Regional Integration in West Africa: Lessons and Policy Directions
Introduction, Rationale, and the Context
The Theoretical Underpinning and a Brief Review of Literature
Understanding the Theoretical Background
Definition and Background of Aid (ODA)
Key Issues on Aid and the Case for AfT
AfT: What Does It Have to Offer?
Analysis of Some Challenges of Aid in the Context of AfT
Overview of Opportunities of AfT
Analysis of Major Opportunities of AfT
Conclusion and Recommendations: Overcoming Challenges Faced in Deploying AfT Toward Meeting Infrastructure Needs
Appendix
References
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations: Creating an Enabling Business Ecosystem for Fostering Trade Opportunities in the Digital Age
Introduction
Policy Solutions
Creating a Coherent Strategy
Conclusion and the (Future) Research Opportunity Space
References