In a nutshell
- Egypt and Tunisia have embraced trade liberalization which has helped them establish a successful export-focused strategy.
- However, the cost of non-tariff measures (NTMs) — policy measures other than ordinary customs tariffs that can potentially have an economic effect on international trade — has increased substantially.
- To achieve successful economic transition — which is a big challenge alongside their political transition — Tunisia and Egypt need to reform their NTMs.
- The reform process must be based on structured public-private dialogue with a common goal of improving firms’ competitiveness.
- This process includes enhancing import settings, streamlining NTMs, simplification of procedures and transparency.
- It should also include establishing harmonization measures to facilitate access to foreign markets. The two strands are closely linked as better export means better import.
![Boosting World Trade in Tunisia and Egypt by Cutting Non-Tariff Barriers Better Imports for Better Exports](https://erf.org.eg/app/uploads/2015/12/1610808392_500_79187_nl_zouhourkarray-150x150.png)
Policy Affiliates
Zouhour Karray
Program Manager, World Bank Group