3rd Meeting of the Trade Facilitation Working Group

2-3 December 2003

Manila, Philippines
Introduction
1.
The Third Meeting of the Trade Facilitation Working Group (TFWG-3) was held on 2-3
December 2003 at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. The Meeting was was chaired
by Mr. Robert Boumphrey, Director, Governance, Finance and Trade Division, Mekong
Department (MKGF), ADB. The objectives of TFWG-3 are to (i) review recent developments in
the GMS and their implications on trade cooperation, in particular, the results on the 12th GMS
Ministerial Conference held in Dali City, Yunnan Province, PRC on 17-19 September 2003; (ii)
review the status of priority projects agreed upon during the first and second meetings of the
Trade Facilitation Working Group; (iii) review the composition and terms of reference of the
TFWG: and (iv) formulate a TFWG work plan for 2004-2006. The Meeting agenda is in
Appendix 1.
2.
GMS senior officials responsible for trade and customs attended the Meeting. A
representative from the European Commission in Manila attended the Meeting as an observer.
ADB staff and consultants also participated in the Meeting. The list of participants is in Appendix
2.
Opening Session
3.
Mr. Arjun Thapan, Advisor, Mekong Department, ADB welcomed the participants on
behalf of ADB during the first day of the Meeting. In his opening remarks, Mr. Thapan
highlighted the importance of TFWG-3 in the context of developments in the subregion. He
pointed out that the GMS has become more interconnected as a result of infrastructure
developments in the subregion over the past decade. The development of transport corridors
has created immense opportunities for economic activities, including trade, which is essential to
growth. At the same time, deepening regional integration, combined with the acceleration of the
reform process in the transition economies, will require that the GMS become more competitive
as a regional production base. He emphasized that trade facilitation will be a critical dimension
of enhancing the competitiveness of the subregion. He reminded the TFWG that no less than
the GMS Leaders have called for the formulation of an action plan of trade and investment
during the first GMS Summit in November 2003, and the 12th GMS Ministerial Conference
again emphasized this in September 2003. He expressed the hope that the participants will be
ale to draw up a strategic program for the next three years that could help realize the vision of
the GMS as a dynamic, prosperous and equitable subregion.
Session I. Review of Trade Facilitation Issues in the GMS
4.
Mr. Robert Boumphrey, ADB lead the discussion on the review of priority projects and
activities on trade cooperation as agreed upon in the two prior meetings of the TFWG. The
objective of the session was to solicit the views of the GMS countries on whether these priority
projects are still relevant and should therefore be pursued further. He reported that at the first
meeting of the TFWG in 1999, nine subregional projects were identified for cooperation, with
priority accorded to four projects, namely: (i) establishment of national institutional
arrangements for trade facilitation in the GMS; (ii) national studies and seminars on regulatory,
procedural, and documentation systems for international trade: (iii) pilot-testing trade facilitation

arrangements in the GMS countries; and (iv) customs cooperation in the GMS. Among these
four priority projects, ESCAP implemented the first two, while ADB implemented the third and
fourth projects, which were combined later under one project on the pilot-testing of single-stop
customs inspection in priority GMS economic corridors. An ad hoc subgroup on customs was
convened during the Senior Officials' Meeting prior to the 9th Ministerial Meeting to further carry
forward the activities envisaged on GMS customs facilitation.
5.
Mr. Boumphrey cited that at TFWG-2 tin 2001, the GMS countries discussed other
project proposals that included: (i) agricultural cooperation in the GMS; (ii) establishment of a
payments system; (iii) development of a common information system in the GMS, including ecommunications for trade facilitation; (iv) establishment of a dispute settlement mechanism in
the GMS; and (v) "subregionalization" of bilateral trading arrangements. Except for the
development of a common information system, which was subsequently included as a
component of RETA 6020, none of these proposals were implemented.
6.
Mr. Boumphrey reminded that the Joint Summit Declaration issued by the first GMS
Summit called for an action plan on trade and investment facilitation in order for the GMS
countries to reap the benefits of regional integration. The 12th Ministerial Conference echoed
this mandate, where the GMS Ministers agreed that the three important building blocks into the
future would be connectivity, competitiveness and community, and that trade facilitation should
be given high priority. The 12th Ministerial Conference called for (i) acceleration of present pilot
border sites through a testing-by- learning approach to facilitate cross-border movement of
goods, (ii) areas of training for customs officials, (iii) IT application in customs and impact on
trade facilitation, (iv) awareness raising of new customs procedures with the private sector, and
(v) mechanisms to improve involvement of private sector and other issues related to enhancing
the competitiveness of the economic corridors.
7.

In reviewing the current TFWG priorities, the countries made the following comments:
a. Cambodia explained that trade facilitation covers a broader set of issues, of which
customs facilitation is only a small part. He explained that trade policy tools differ
across countries and it would therefore be desirable to have an inventory of legal
regimes in the GMS and to exchange information on them. He stressed the
importance of transparency in the exchange of information on legal regimes. From
this exercise, the areas of facilitation could be identified. Cambodia also cited the
need for reviewing trade policy and trade facilitation initiatives covered by other
regional cooperation frameworks to determine those areas where the GMS TFWG
could complement. Cambodia also suggested that trade facilitation initiatives should
be pragmatic and should respond to private sector needs.
b. PRC also pointed out that trade facilitation covers a wider range of issues of which
customs facilitation is only a part. He pointed out that future TFWG meetings should
involve trade policy officials more directly to expand the coverage of issues to be
discussed. Customs officials could meet separately to discuss specific technical
issues.

Session II. Facilitation of Cross-Border Trade and Investment in the GMS --- Status of
Implementation of Priority Activities under RETA 6020.

A. Pilot-testing of Single Stop Customs Inspection in Selected Border Crossings in the

GMS
8.
Ms. Madeleine Varkay updated the participants on the status of implementation of
single-stop customs inspection (SSCI), which is being piloted in four border-crossings. The pilot
sites for SSCI were agreed upon by the concerned countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and
Viet Nam) and endorsed at the 10th Ministerial Conference. She reported that as a result of
three workshops that have been held so far, steady progress has been made towards
implementing SSCI procedures in the four pilot sites --- (i) Bavet and Moc Bai; (ii) Mukdahan
and Savannakhet; (iii) Poipet and Aranyaprathet; and (iv) Lao-Bao and Denh Savanh. The GMS
countries have agreed that the implementation of SSCI will proceed on a two-track/site-specific
basis that takes into account the differences in the state of preparedness of customs authorities
at each border crossing. The first track will involve pilot sites for which customs authorities at the
pilot border sites are relatively well prepared (such as in Bavet and Moc Bai) both in terms of
infrastructure and development of procedures. Implementation at the other sites will proceed as
the relevant authorities complete their preparatory actions. Although steady progress is being
made on the technical and procedural aspects of SSCI, the implementation cannot proceed on
account of the legal and institutional impediments.
9.
The GMS countries shared the view that progress has been made on the technical
aspects of implementing SSCI but noted that legal and institutional issues remain to be
resolved. The following specific comments were made:
a. Cambodia informed the Meeting that in the effort to address the legal and
institutional requirements for implementing the Bavet-Moc Bai pilot site, it has
established an inter-ministerial committee as a means to involve other relevant
ministries in supporting the required change in customs procedures. Cambodia
indicated that a similar approach may be pursued by Viet Nam and a Joint
Committee could be later established between the two countries. Once the
operational procedures have been agreed upon, a bilateral MOU can be signed to
govern the implementation of SSCI in Bavet-Moc Bai.
b. Cambodia also proposed that the format for subsequent SSCI workshops should be
modified to consist of a plenary session, where all GMS countries could participate in
the discussion of common concerns, and a series of bilateral meetings where
specific issues could be discussed between two countries.
c. Viet Nam agreed to consider a similar approach as Cambodia, although it cited that
the legal issues in Viet Nam are of a different nature. Viet Nam also raised the issues
of post clearance audit (PCA) and the language of the common customs declaration
forms.
d. PRC recognized the difficulties in resolving the legal and institutional issues in SSCI
implementation and suggested that a step-by-step approach be undertaken. PRC
also suggested that cooperation in transport transit regime should be pursued in
conjunction with SSCI.
e. Myanmar and PRC raised the issue of the applicability of the legal basis for
implementing SSCI since at present the SSCI is only on a pilot basis.
f. Lao PDR raised the need to clarify the issue of simultaneous vs sequential
inspection.
10.
On the basis of the suggestions made, Ms. Madeleine Varkay, ADB indicated that the
next SSCI workshop would be organized along the lines suggested by Cambodia, with a plenary

session followed by bilateral meetings. The GMS countries agreed on the following schedule for
implementation:
a. Review the proposed institutional and legal procedures developed by Cambodia to
facilitate the implementation of SSCI at Bavet-Moc Bai;
b. Develop proposals on institutional and legal procedures internally and bring the
proposal to the next SSCI workshop in the first quarter 2004. Review issues specific
to legal and institutional issues at Bavet-Moc Bai and identify outstanding issues for
implementation;
c. Develop implementation mechanisms for Bavet-Moc Bai and review this in the
second workshop by July 2004. Review institutional and legal issues at 6 other pilot
border sites as well as new pilot sites proposed by Myanmar and the PRC;
d. Implement SSCI at Bavet-Moc Bai by year end 2004. Develop implementation road
map for other pilot sites to be implemented in 2005;
e. Identify technical assistance and program lending to support the efficiency of the
trade transaction process and develop supportive institutional structures.
11.
The Meeting noted that the SSCI workshop is planned for early March 2004, with a
follow-on workshop scheduled for July 2004 to finalize implementation of Bavet-Moc Bai and
identify the sequencing of implementation of 6 other pilot sites in the GMS.
12.
Ms. Varkay also explained the need to link the SSCI to the review of the trade logistics
study. The would involve a review of the trade logistics study, discussion of policy constraints
during the trade facilitation and customs experts group July 2004 side meeting of the SSCI
workshop, and use these discussions as inputs to review the policy and project agenda and
required revisions to the development matrix.
B. Establishment of a Cross-Border Trade and Investment Database
13.
Ms. Varkay explained that the consultant under RETA 6020 has submitted an interim
report with the finding that the establishment of cross-border trade database would be extremely
difficult on the basis of existing information on account of the large degree of informal trade. To
address this constraint, the consultant suggested that a survey would need to be conducted at
selected borders. Ms, Varkay however indicated that such a survey would require considerable
resources and may be too difficult to implement.
14.
Thailand requested for a copy of the consultant's report for their review and comments.
ADB indicated that the consultant's report would be circulated to all the GMS countries for their
review.
Session III. Trade Transaction Processes: Cooperation Possibilities in the GMS
15.
Mr. Peter Yee, Consultant, RETA 6020 gave a presentation on international trade
transaction process. He traced the main elements of international trade transactions and
identifying the key participants. He explained that judgements regarding the efficiency or
inefficiency of the trade transaction process are made possible through the application of
"international trade logistics costs" analysis. The efficiency or inefficiency of international
logistics can affect the delivered price of a product, and ultimately consumer satisfaction.
Logistics is measured by the quantity of resources consumed (usually in terms of time and/or
money) in performing the cycle of activities from the point of ordering the goods to the point of

delivery. Mr. Yee cited illustrative examples to demonstrate the importance of logistics costs. He
cited the critical role of participants in the trade intermediation process, both governmental and
non-governmental agents (e.g. carriers and freight handling enterprises.
16.
Using the trade transaction process framework, Mr. Yee outlined the possible trade
facilitation mechanisms that could be pursued under the GMS Program. These mechanisms
would involve: (i) bringing international buyers closer to GMS sellers; this could be done
possibly through the establishment of an export promotion fund, market access fund, and the
involvement of international trading companies; (ii) providing GMS sellers the capacity to fill
international purchase orders; this could be pursued through the development of an
international quality industrial standards compliance program and trade finance and insurance
schemes; and (iii) taking the GMS sellers closer to international buyers by speeding up the trade
transaction process; this could be pursued through customs transit transport regimes,
multimodal transport operations, modern border management (single stop, single window),
enhancing the proficiency of exporters, and e-commerce.
17.
The GMS countries expressed the view that the trade transaction process provided a
useful framework for identifying possible areas of focus of the TFWG. The GMS countries
agreed that a comprehensive study should be conducted to identify the areas that could be
addressed through the GMS Program framework. In this regard, the following specific
comments were made:
a. Cambodia indicated that the study should be able to pinpoint the areas of reform in
conjunction with the implementation GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement,
including its annexes and protocols.
b. PRC indicated that the areas of focus suggested at the 12th Ministerial Conference
in Dali could serve as good starting points.
c. Myanmar highlighted the importance of addressing transit transport regimes in trade
facilitation.
18.
Ms. Pamela Bracey, Investment Officer, Private Sector Specialist, Operations
Department, presented the features of ADB's Trade Finance Facilitation Program (TFPP)
approved in November 2003. The TFPP was conceived in response to constraints faced by
many local banks in ADB's member developing countries (DMCs) in providing trade finance to
their importers and exporters in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis, thus inhibiting trade
and economic expansion. The TFFP's objectives are: (I) to support and develop intra- and
interregional trade; (ii) provide liquidity to the international trade finance system especially
during periods of crisis; (iii) help local banks to establish track records and institutional strength;
and (iv) develop and strengthen relationships with local regional and international banks. Ms.
Bracey highlighted the TFFP's components, program limits, tenor, eligible confirming banks and
issuing banks, eligible goods, and pricing. The presentation outlined the roll-out plan for the
Facility, including the scheduled due diligence missions to some of the GMS countries.
Session IV. Institutional Mechanisms to Enhance Cooperation in Trade Facilitation
19.
The Meeting discussed ways of enhancing the TFWG by involving more actively the
development partners and the private sector. Mr. Boumphrey informed the Meeting of the World
Bank's desire to participate in TFWG meetings and to provide resources and analytical inputs.
The GMS countries shared the view that development partners and the private sector should be
invited in future meetings of the TFWG. Private sector representatives from a broad spectrum of

concerns should be considered as invitees (i.e., regional chambers, bankers, manufacturers,

freight forwarders, insurance brokers, etc.). Cambodia reminded the meeting that it would be
useful to be selective on the private sector invitees depending on the nature of the topic to be
discussed. Responding to a query from Thailand, ADB indicated that it might be difficult to
provide financial support to private sector representatives. Myanmar suggested two categories
of private sector participants, one financed by ADB, and the other, self-financed.
Session V. TFWG Work Plan for 2004-2006
20.
19 Prior to the discussion of the TFWG work plan during the second day of the Meeting,
Mr. Rajat M. Nag, Director General, MKRD gave introductory remarks. Mr. Nag reminded the
Meeting that no less than the GMS Summit of Leaders, in their Joint Summit Declaration called
for an action plan on trade and investment facilitation. The 12th GMS Ministerial Conference
also stressed the importance of trade facilitation in the context of the greater degree of
connectivity in the GMS and the emerging focus on enhanced competitiveness of the subregion.
He indicated that the TFWG work plan should be pragmatic and results-oriented, and should be
geared towards the needs of the private sector. The work plan should also be doable and
implementable, considering resource constraints. The GMS Ministers' mandate to accelerate
the implementation of single stop customs inspection poses a big challenge to the GMS
countries and efforts to resolve outstanding legal and institutional issues should be given
priority. Finally, Mr. Nag reminded the Meeting of the need to be always mindful of trade
facilitation initiatives under other regional cooperation programs such as ASEAN and APEC so
that GMS initiatives can complement them.
21.
Thailand was requested to brief the TFWG on the Economic Cooperation Strategy
(ECS) Initiative, which held its first Summit on 12 November 2003 in Bagan, Myanmar.
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand are participating in the ECS. The following points
were highlighted:
a. The objective of the ECS it to increase the competitiveness and generate greater
growth along the border sites of the participating countries.
b. In order to implement the ECS, action plans are being developed in strategic areas
of cooperation, namely: trade and investment facilitation, agriculture, industry,
transport linkages, tourism, and human resources development.
c. In the area of trade and investment facilitation, the major "common projects" include
(i) expansion of the coverage of the AISP scheme of Thailand: (ii) establishment of
the ECS Business Councils; (iii) establishment of a one-stop service on trade and
tourism in CLMT countries at the border areas; (iii) facilitation of transit shipment of
goods to third countries; and (iv) single-stop inspection at major border areas; and
(v) promotion of export-oriented investment opportunities to enhance investment.
22.
Thailand informed that coordination between the ECS and the GMS Program is done
through the NESDB, which is a key agency involved in both programs.
A. Key Elements of the TFWG Work Plan
23.
The GMS countries identified the objectives of trade facilitation mechanism to be
covered by the TFWG as follows:
a. Improvement of the efficiency of the trade transaction process; this includes the

7
facilitation of modern border management (single stop, single window) customs
transit and transport regimes, multimodal transport operations, proficiency of exports;
b. Develop supportive structures fo GMS exporters to meet international purchase
orders; this includes the development of a quality standards compliance program,
trade finance and insurance schemes;
c. Develop market information networks to facilitate trade linkages (including market
access mechanisms, export promotion programs access to international trading
companies);
d. Develop e-commerce systems to improve the integration of the trade transaction
process between sellers and shippers bankers, and purchasers

24.
It was agreed that the above objective will provide a guiding framework fo the
development matrix and this assist in the focus on technical assistance lending activity and
donor coordination.
25.
Cambodia suggested that in formulating the work plan for TFWG, it is important to
recognize trade facilitation initiatives under other regional cooperation programs. For instance,
under the ASEAN framework, cooperation in industrial standards is targeted towards attaining
minimum standards rather than harmonization.
26.
PRC emphasized the need to identify those activities suitable for regional cooperation
under the GMS Program framework and which at the same time could complement trade
facilitation initiatives under ASEAN, APEC and other regional cooperation programs. In
formulating the TFWG work plan, PRC also stressed the need to distinguish between trade
policy and trade facilitation. The GMS Program is basically concerned with trade facilitation,
which focuses on procedural aspects (e.g. harmonization, simplification, and post clearance
audit procedures.
27.
Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam addressed various issues on harmonization of
customs procedures. Lao PDR raised the need to define more clearly what is envisaged in
cooperation on customs harmonization; Thailand cited the importance of harmonizing tariff
nomenclature as a basis for valuation; and Viet Nam indicated that it is moving towards risk
assessment to facilitate customs inspection.
28.
In the context of trade logistics, the TFWG recommended a study on the characteristics
and inefficiencies of specific supply chains in the GMS. This will include the measurement of
value-added at various key segments along the supply chain of a product from sourcing of
inputs to marketing in the trade logistics system. The objective of the study is to investigate
logistics costs and to prescribe solutions and recommend interventions concerning policy and
administrative reforms, as well as physical infrastructure needs, with the greatest impact on
costs along supply chains. The study would recommend concrete project interventions to
pimprove domestic productivity and strengthen forward and backward linkages, as well as
possibilities for integration of the domestic private sector with regional and global supply chains
where applicable. They study could be initiated by March 2004 and completed by May 2004.
B. Review of Projects in the Development Matrix
29.
Mr. Myo Thant, Principal Regional Cooperation Economist, MKRD, ADB gave a briefing
the development matrix. The concept of the development matrix was initiated by the GMS
countries and endorsed at the 10th Ministerial Conference in November 2001 in Yangon,
Myanmar. The development matrix is a compilation of projects supporting the 11 GMS flagship

programs and contains information on project scope, estimated cost, financing plan,
implementing agencies, implementing schedule and issues and constraints. It is intended to
serve as a planning tool, an information source for public and private investments, and as a
basis for determining physical and financing gaps. At present, systems development for
updating the matrix and transforming it into a user-friendly database is ongoing. In response to
Cambodia's query, Mr. Thant explained that under the system being developed, the inclusion
and exclusion of projects from the development matrix would be responsibility of the working
groups and for this purpose guidelines will have to be developed. Thailand proposed that these
guidelines be discussed in the next meeting of the TFWG.
30.
The Meeting reviewed the individual projects that are presently included in the
development matrix for the flagship program on Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Investment.
The key elements of the trade facilitation work program mentioned in paragraph 21 were used
as a framework for reviewing the matrix. The proposals made at the 12th Ministerial Conference
were also considered in the process of review. The following comments were made (number
references correspond to numbers in the development matrix.
1) Development of a cross-border trade and investment data and information database
2) PRC stressed the importance of this initiative. A similar activity was started under the
APEC framework but the activity was not sustainable on account of lack of resources.
Therefore, unless ADB is able to provide resources for a continuing period, this activity
may not be sustainable. PRC also raised the need for translation of relevant documents.
Thailand agreed that the trade data should be initially linked with the implementation of
the SSCI but the product coverage will have to be determined in due course. The
information in the database should include trade and investment laws, which would be
useful for the private sector. The compilation of laws that are already available at the
ASEAN Secretariat or the WTO may be used as starting points. Viet Nam suggested
that information in the database should be accessible to the private sector via the
Internet. Cambodia proposed the inclusion of capacity building component for the
collection of cross-border data to help local officials overcome present constraints in
data collection. Cambodia supported Thailand's suggestion to include information on
legal regimes in the database. Lao PDR indicated that a foreign--assisted project
concerning trade database development has met with ADB indicated that it would
explore possible collaboration with UNCTAD and ITC in the database project. ADB
indicated that a cross-reference to the GMS BF website will be made.
3) Development of products and support services to small and medium enterprises
4) Cambodia proposed the inclusion of GMS investment boards as implementing agencies.
ADB likewise added the local chambers of commerce as implementing agencies.
5) Trade and Customs Facilitation
6) Myanmar indicated that it is prepared to propose the border site at Muse for inclusion in
the SSCI scheme. Viet Nam informed that ASEAN has already developed a manual on
customs valuation and that any GMS initiative in this area should consider the ASEAN
initiative. Cambodia and PRC suggested a reformulation of the project description to
refer to "the development of an operations manual for single-stop customs inspection in
accordance with the Kyoto Protocol". Cambodia proposed that GMS customs
administrations be designated as implementing agencies. Cambodia further proposed
that this project include the compilation of trade and customs procedures in the GMS for
the private sector as suggested at the 12th Ministerial Conference in Dali.

9
7) Cross-Border Facilitation in the Movement of Goods and Peoples
8) Myanmar should be added to the list of signatories to the GMS Cross-Border Transport
Agreement.
9) Industrial Development
10) Thailand will further review these projects and provide updates in due course to ADB
and all other GMS countries. PRC suggested the following: (i) the TIR-CARNET
component should be moved to 3i on customs harmonization: (ii) dispute settlement is
not a trade facilitation issue and should therefore not be a component of the project on
GMS trade and investment facilitation. Cambodia indicated any dispute settlement
mechanism should be part of a framework agreement on trade, such as the ASEAN
Framework. Cambodia also proposed that the reference to ASYCUDA be deleted since
no GMS country is currently implementing this system; instead the reference should be
to a "customs-related data interchange". Thailand requested ADB to provide more
information on the dispute settlement mechanism for the SSCI. ADB indicated that it
would be able to provide this once the legal issues have been resolved. s

31.
ADB requested the GMS countries to review the development matrix and submit any
further comments that they may have y mid-December 2003.
Concluding Remarks
32.
Mr. Boumprhey and Ms. Varkay concluded the Meeting by thanking the GMS
participants for their excellent cooperation and hard work. Mr. Boumphrey was pleased that the
TFWG was able to resuscitate cooperation in trade facilitation. He indicated that the next
meeting of the TFWG would be held around August 2004 to discuss among others: (i) review of
SSCI implementation; (ii) develop an activity roadmap for trade facilitation; and (iii) review and
update the development matrix.

10
Appendix 1

Agenda and Program

Day 1: Tuesday, 2 December 2003
Chair: Mr. Robert Boumphrey
Director, Governance, Finance and Trade Division (MKGF)
Asian Development Bank
0800 0830

Registration

Opening Session:
0830-0845

Opening and Welcome Remarks

Mr. Arjun Thapan
Advisor
Mekong Department (MKRD), ADB

Session I: Review of Trade Facilitation Issues in the GMS

0845-1015

Review of Trade Facilitation Issues Raised in Dali

Review of Trade Facilitation Work Program and Draft Reports
Discussed and Agreed in the 1st and 2nd Meetings of the TFWG
Mr. Robert Boumphrey
Director,
Governance, Finance and Trade Division (MKGF)
Asian Development Bank
Under this agenda item, the TFWG will revisit the issues identified in Dali
including: (i) acceleration of present pilot border sites through testing by
learning approach to facilitate cross-border movement of goods, (ii) areas of
training for customs officials, (iii) IT application in customs and impact on
trade facilitation, (iv) awareness raising of new customs procedures with
private sector, (v) mechanisms to improve involvement of private sector and
other issues related to enhancing the competitiveness of the economic
corridors. The TFWG will also review the work programs of the previous
working group meetings to identify ongoing priorities.

1015-1030

Coffee/Tea Break

Session II: Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Investment in the GMS - Status of
Implementation
1030-1200

Pilot-testing of Single-Stop Customs Inspection Procedures: Status of

Implementation and Outstanding Issues

11
Identification of SSCI pilot sites for Union of Myanmar and the PRC
Discussion on legal implementation, inter-ministerial coordination to facilitate
SSCI implementation as well as dispute settlement review proposed
framework developed by Cambodia
Side Meeting between Cambodia and Vietnam to address issues on fasttracking Bavet-Moc Bai
Establishment of a Cross-Border Trade and Investment Database
Representative from Cambodia
Ms. Madeleine Varkay
Private Sector Specialist
MKGF, ADB
The TFWG will review the status of implementation of the ADB-supported
RETA 6020. Two important activities under this RETA, which originated from
the TFWG, are: (i) the pilot-testing of single-stop customs inspection
procedures in selected border sites; (ii) the establishment of a cross-border
trade and investment database. The consultant for the single-stop customs
inspection (SSCI) procedures will discuss the status of implementation in
selected SSCI border sites as well as review the proposed framework of
implementation by Cambodia to be used as a model by other jurisdictions,
with the view to expediting implementation in accordance with the directives
of the 12th Ministerial Conference. A side meeting is proposed between
Cambodia and Vietnam to facilitate institutional coordination to support fasttrack implementation at Bavet-Moc Bai pilot site.
The outstanding information on cross-border trade and investment data
bases will also be reviewed.

1200-1330

Lunch (Private Dinning Room 1)

Session III
1330-1500

Trade Transaction Processes: Cooperation Possibilities in the GMS

Mr. Peter Yee
Consultant
ADB
Ms. Pamela Bracey
Investment Officer
Private Sector Operations Department
Issues facing the exporter such as access to inputs, foreign exchange, preshipment finance, contract of sales, procedures to negotiate a documentary
credit (including appropriate bill of lading), access and cost to transportation
of goods will be reviewed to determine areas where private sector and
government sector service delivery may be improved in the context of

12
economic cooperation in the GMS. The presentation will also review other
regional trade facilitation models, to assess the phasing and sequencing of
trade facilitation reform in the GMS following SSCI implementation, namely:
implementation of single-window customs inspection; industrial standards
upgrading and harmonization; freight forwarding, ASYCUDA, TIR-CARNET,
trade finance.
ADB will make a presentation on the Trade Finance and Facilitation
Program.

1500-1515

Coffee/Tea Break

Session IV - Institutional Mechanisms to Enhance Cooperation in Trade Facilitation

1515-1700

Review of the Composition and Terms of Reference of the Trade

Facilitation Working Group
Ms. Madeleine Varkay
Private Sector Specialist
MKGF, ADB
The TFWG will also discuss how to operationalize the decision of the GMS
Ministers to involve development partners including the private sector in
meetings of the GMS working groups and forums.

1730-1900

Reception hosted by ADB (Private Dining Room 1)

Day 2: Wednesday, 3 December 2003

Chair: Mr. Robert Boumphrey
Director, Governance, Finance and Trade Division (MKGF)
Asian Development Bank
Session V
0830-0845

Opening Remarks (Day 2)

Mr. Rajat M. Nag
Director-General,
Mekong Department, ADB

Session VI: TFWG Work Plan: 2004-2006

0845-1000

A. Trade Facilitation Issues: Recap of Discussions in Day 1

B. Review of Trade Facilitation Projects in the Development
Matrix and Modalities for Updating
C. Proposed New Project Concepts for Consideration in ADB

13
Pipeline
Ms. Madeleine Varkay
Private Sector Specialist
MKGF, ADB
Mr. Myo Thant
Principal Regional Cooperation Economist-GMS
MKOC, ADB
The presentation will review issues discussed in Day 1 and will
also introduce the new Trade Finance Facilitation Program to
be implemented by the Private Sector Operations Department
and introduced in the DMCs, including the GMS.
Participants will then be requested to review the development
matrix on Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Investment to
update project information and determine the focus of future
areas of cooperation. Based on the discussions at the meeting,
the TFWG will agree on the elements of its work plan for the
next three years to guide the operations of the working group.

1000-1015

Coffee/ Tea Break

Session VII
1015-1145

TFWG Work Plan: 2004-2006 (continued)

Closing Session
1145-1200

Summary and Conclusions

1200

Lunch

14
Appendix 2

List of Participants
GMS Countries
Cambodia
Mr. Sok Sopheak Director, ASEAN and International Department, Ministry of Commerce Tel
No.: (855 12) 992 035 Fax No.: (855 23) 210 728 / 426 396 E-mail: wtooffice@camnet.com.kh
Dr. Kun Nhem Deputy Director, Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Economic and
Finance Tel No.: (855 12) 832 030 Fax No.: (855 23) 725 187 E-mail: customs@camnet.com.kh
Peoples Republic of China
Mr.
Wang
Donghong Director, International
Department, China
Administration Tel. No.: (86 10) 6519 5327 Fax No.: (86 10)
Wangdh@mail.Customs.gov.cn

State
Customs
6519 5307 E-mail:

Mr. Fang Minghui Section Chief, International Department, China State Customs
Administration Tel. No.: (86 10) 6519 4910 Fax No.: (86 10) 6519 5307 E-mail: fmhhg@163.net
Lao PDR
Mr. Vongchanh Lawkhamphromtakoun Deputy Director, Customs Department, Ministry of
Finance Tel. No.: (856 21) 223 524 Fax No.: (856 21) 223 521 E-mail:
lawkham@yahoo.com cnucust@laotel.com
Myanmar
Mr. U Nyunt Aye Director General, Directorate of Trade, Ministry of Commerce Tel. No.: (95 1)
371 203 Fax No.: (95 1) 280 679 / 253 028 E-mail: com@mptmail.net.mm
Mr. Than Tun Assistant Director, Customs Department Tel. No.: (95 1) 253 046/ 47 Fax No.: (95
1) 296 744 Email: vic@cybertech.net.mm
Thailand
Mr. Poonsri Khulimakin Director, Bureau of East Asia Economic Cooperation, Department of
Trade Negotiations Ministry of Commerce Tel. No.: (66 2) 507 7231 Fax No.: (66 2) 547 5614 Email: poonsrik@mocnet.moc.go.th
Mr. Panu Limwongyuti International Relations Officer, Customs Department Tel. No.: (66 2) 507
7231 Fax No.: (66 2) 547 5614 E-mail: poonsrik@mocnet.moc.go.th
Ms. Sumitta Chongplapolkul Policy and Plan Analyst, Regional Economic Development
Cooperation Committee of Office (REDCCO), Office of the National Economic and Social
Development Board (NESDB) Tel. No.: (66 2) 255 5363 Fax No.: (66 2) 253 2727 E-mail:
sumitta-e@NESDB.go.th
Mr. Sitthiporn Tripitak Senior Chief Inspector, Mukdaham Customs House Tel. No.: (660 ) 4261
1631 Fax No.: (66 0) 4261 1769 E-mail: tripitak@hotmail.com

15

Ms.
Nichapa
Srisung Senior
Trade
Officer, Bureau
of
East
Asia
Economic
Cooperation Department of Trade Negotations, Ministry of Commerce Tel. No.: (66 2) 507
7239 Fax No.: (66 2) 547 5614; E-mail: nichapas@moc.go.th
Viet Nam
Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan Expert, Trade and Service Department, Ministry of Planning and
Investment Tel. No.: (84 0) 8044 271 Fax No.: (84 0) 8043 394 E-mail:
anhtuan_nkn@yahoo.com
Mr. Ngo Minh Tuan Expert, International Relation Department, General Department of
Customs Tel. No.: (84 4)872 5953 Fax No.: (84 4) 731 503 / 873 1503 E-mail:
ngalinhtuan@yahoo.com phtonghop@ha.vian.vn
Multilateral
European Union
Ms. Emily M. Mercado Project Officer, Delegation of the European Commission to the
Philippines Tel No.: (632) 872 6421 Fax No.: (632) 812 6686 E-mail: emily.mercado@cec.eu.int
Asian Development Bank
Mr. Rajat M. Nag Director-General, Mekong Department Tel. No.: (63 2) 632 6201 Fax No.: (63
2) 636 2232 E-mail: rnag@adb.org
Mr. Arjun Thapan Advisor, Office of Director General, Mekong Department Tel. No.: (63 2) 632
6850 Fax No.: (63 2) 636 2226 E-mail: athapan@adb.org
Mr. Robert Boumphrey Director, Governance, Finance and Trade Division, Mekong
Department Tel No.: (632) 632 4163 Fax No.: (632) 636 2331 E-mail: rboumphrey@adb.org
Mr. Myo Thant Principal Regional Cooperation Economist GMS, Operations Coordination
Division, Mekong Department Tel. No.: (63 2) 632 6305 Fax No.: (63 2) 636 2226 E-mail:
mthant@adb.org
Ms. Madeleine Varkay Private Sector Development Specialist, Governance, Finance and Trade
Division, Mekong Department Tel No.: (632) 632 4030 Fax No.: (632) 636 2131 E-mail:
mvarkay@adb.org
Ms. Pamela Bracey Structured Finance Specialist, PSOP Tel No.: (632) 632 6669 Fax No.:
(632) 636 2347 E-mail: pbracey@adb.org
Mr. Teruo Uijie Trade Specialist/Economist, Office of the Chief Economist, EROD Tel No.: (632)
632 6653 Fax No.: (632) 636 2357
Mr. Yushu Feng Programs Officer, Operations Coordination Division, Mekong Department Tel.
No.: (63 2) 632 6316 Fax No.: (63 2) 636 2226 E-mail: yushufeng@adb.org
Mr. Shunsuke Bando Programs Officer, Operations Coordination Division, Mekong
Department Tel. No.: (63 2) 632 6700 Fax No.: (63 2) 636 2226 E-mail: sbando@adb.org