Overall, the outcome of USAID/Egypt’s trade-related assistance since 1992 is rated as satisfactory, with specific strengths identified as the consistency of USAID/Egypt’s program with the Government’s development strategy; the sustainability of USAID/Egypt’s overall assistance; USAID/Egypt’s strong support for policy and regulatory reforms; the leading role of USAID in supporting a coherent strategy for the GOE; flexibility and adaptability of its programs; stakeholder ownership of USAID assistance; the recent increase in effectiveness of capacity building efforts; the generally successful coordination of projects with development partners; outcomes generally having been met or exceeded based on USAID/Egypt’s target benchmarks; implementation of second generation reforms and trade facilitation measures; trade policy and customs reform programs and projects being well-integrated into economy-wide development initiatives; and USAID/Egypt’s development assistance output in trade-related activities having scored well during the period under review. Some of the areas were programs and projects could be improved upon relate to the need to more clearly defined their outcomes and impact objectives within USAID/Egypt’s strategic objectives; possibly bolstering its effectiveness in implementing trade policy reforms through the policy-based cash transfer programs; more clearly distinguishing between output and impact benchmarks when reviewing performance and including benchmarks that better reflect changes in trade control measures; improving its support for understanding the impact of WTO and other international commitments by Egypt, before those commitments are made; ensuring continuity of activities between its program sequencing activities; and providing for systematic assessments of trade capacity building effectiveness in its projects. These findings pointed to lessons for future activities that are elaborated upon in the report.
The analysis covers regulatory measures, SPS and TBT framework, rules of origin, rights of establishment, and public procurement.
Assessment of free trade agreement (FTA) between Jordan and United States, based on econometric and quantitative analyses of competitiveness, complementarities, effective protection, and FTA/GATS conditions.
WTO impact assessment for Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) in Jordon's key industries, based on econometric modeling and quantitative modeling methods for evaluating alternative offers.
The evaluation based on econometric modeling and quantitative modeling methods for evaluating alternative offers by Jordan of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.
The GPA offers Jordan several benefits, as well as some costs. The main benefit of accession would likely be gains in the economic efficiency of Jordan’s current procurement system. By accepting the GPA’s principles of transparency and non-discrimination, Jordan would accept to implement a more fair and competitive procurement system than before accession. By introducing more competition into the procurement process, it is possible that procuring entities reduce the cost of purchases of goods and services of the same or better quality. Moreover, a revised system would likely save taxpayers’ money, and those savings can be used for other government programs. In addition, the establishment of a non-discriminatory and transparent procurement system could constrain rent-seeking activities. Another important benefit of acceding to the GPA is an expansion in exports as a result of improved access to government procurement markets of other signatories of the agreement.
In terms of costs, Jordan would likely incur administrative costs and could incur social and economic costs as a result of accession. At the administrative level, Jordan would be required to incur costs to prepare for negotiations and actually undertake them. If it became a member, it would be required to make revisions to certain laws and regulations and possibly make significant changes at the institutional level that are consistent with GPA procedures. The social and economic costs that could occur relate to the possible negative effects on domestic industries. For example, many countries considering GPA accession, especially developing countries, are concerned about reductions in domestic procurement and accompanying employment. Additionally, Jordan would also be required to maintain a statistical reporting system to ensure transparency that goes beyond the newly established database.
Estimates of the adoption of Government Procurement Agreement based on development of detailed product database and application of econometric modeling techniques.
WTO impact assessment of Egypt's tariff reforms and their impact on macro-economy, based on both econometric modeling techniques and CGE model
Analysis of Egypt's competitiveness of furniture industry based on effective protection rates using detailed econometric model of five sub-industries and measuring impact on exports.
Development of balance of payments model for macroeconomic training and implementation project in Egypt.
Trade-related poverty assessment, based on survey and critical analysis of poverty and unemployment indicators.