Trade-related poverty impact assessment of cross-border trade impact on poverty and social issues along East-West Economic Corridor of Greater Mekong Subregion.

Trade-related capacity building component design for Lao PDR's multi-donor Trade Development Facility covering SPS and TBT measures, regulatory framework, production/trade promotion, and trade policies

Trade-related support for commercialization of agriculture in the Maldives assessing opportunities based on competitive advantage of key products, and domestic resource cost (DRC) analysis.

The present CAPE study follows the standard evaluation framework used by the ADB’s Operations Evaluation Department (OED) to assess the performance of country assistance programs, as well as individual projects and technical assistance (TAs) after completion. It uses six well-know evaluation criteria. The first three are used to assess project outcomes in the CAPs and refer to (i) relevance, (ii) efficacy, and (iii) efficiency. The other three assess project impact in terms of (i) socio-economic impact, (ii) institutional development impact, and (iii) sustainability. The performance of the COS can only be assessed in terms of the relevance. From these results, the study derives the key strengths and opportunities, as well as lessons learned from the ADB’s operations in the last 20 years, with a view to drawing implications for the future strategy and programs, including the CSP scheduled for 2005.

The analysis covers regulatory measures, SPS and TBT framework, rules of origin, rights of establishment, and public procurement.

Trade-related poverty analysis quantitatively assessing impact of Cambodia's macroeconomic policies on poverty reduction for sustainable development

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.