2008年-世界发展银行全球_Trade_and_Transport_Facilitation_in_South_Asia___Systems_in_Transition_Volume_1_Summary_and_Main_Report_78页_838kb

Trade and Transport Facilitation in South Asia: Systems in Transition

Core Content

This report, titled Trade and Transport Facilitation in South Asia: Systems in Transition, provides an in-depth analysis of the trade and transport systems in the South Asian region, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for improving competitiveness through better logistics and infrastructure. It was prepared by the World Bank's Sustainable Development Unit in the South Asia Region, with contributions from various experts and institutions.

Main Report Overview

1. Introduction

• Global Trade Trends: The global trading system has become more open and competitive, with reduced tariffs and elimination of quantitative restrictions. Countries are increasingly relying on efficient and low-cost supply chains to remain competitive.
• Trade Logistics and Facilitation: Efficient logistics and transport systems are critical for reducing costs and improving trade competitiveness. The report highlights the importance of these systems in facilitating both inter- and intra-regional trade.
• South Asian Context: South Asia has shifted from import substitution to more liberal trade policies, but it still has a small share of global trade (less than 2%). Intra-regional trade remains low, at less than 5% of total trade.
• Objectives: The report aims to evaluate the current state of trade and transport facilitation, identify major issues, and provide recommendations for enhancing competitiveness.

2. Overview of South Asian Trade

• Direction of Trade: South Asian countries primarily trade with the rest of the world, with limited intra-regional trade.
• Commodity Structure: The region is known for textile and garment exports, which are often limited to the lower value end of the market.
• Formal and Informal Trade: While formal trade has grown, informal trade remains significant, especially across borders.

3. Inter-Regional Trade: The Transport Sector

• Maritime Sector: India and Pakistan have ports with international handling productivity. However, the port systems are not fully up to international standards, with high dwell times and complex procedures.
• Road Transport: Trucking dominates freight transport, especially in India and Pakistan. Despite low freight rates, service quality is poor, with long and unpredictable transit times and no cargo insurance.
• Rail Transport: Rail freight is limited due to outdated wagon fleets and infrastructure. However, there is potential for growth with new dedicated freight corridors.
• Air Transport: Air freight is used for high-value and perishable goods, but it remains a small proportion of total trade volume. It is becoming more competitive due to increased passenger services.

4. Inter-Regional Trade: The Customs Sector

• Customs Reform: Most South Asian countries have initiated customs reforms, with some nearing full computerization.
• Reforms Achieved: Progress has been made in reducing documentation and clearance times, especially in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Further Reform Needs: Despite improvements, customs procedures remain complex and cumbersome, requiring numerous documents and signatures. There is a need for more streamlined and computerized systems.

5. Inter-Regional Trade: The Logistics Industry

• Background: Logistics in South Asia is relatively simple and unsophisticated, with limited value-added services.
• Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders: These are key players in the logistics sector, and their role is growing with the expansion of international trade.
• Upgrading the Logistics Sector: Opportunities exist for more integrated services, including warehousing and retail distribution, as the region diversifies into complex manufacturing.

6. Intra-Regional Trade

• Background: Intra-regional trade is increasing but remains minimal in volume.
• Constraints: Land-based trade is hindered by the need for transshipment, which increases costs and time. Most countries lack efficient land ports.
• Streaming Intra-Regional Trade: Efforts to streamline intra-regional trade are limited, and there is a need for better coordination and infrastructure.

Key Information and Findings

• Competitiveness: The efficiency of trade and transport systems is crucial for competitiveness. South Asia has made progress, but there is still room for improvement.
• Port Systems: While some ports (like Nhava Sheva, Karachi, and Port Qasim) are performing reasonably well, Chittagong in Bangladesh is a major bottleneck due to poor productivity and reliability.
• Road Transport: Road freight is the dominant mode, but it suffers from poor infrastructure, long transit times, and unreliable service.
• Rail Transport: Indian Railways is improving its financial and operational performance and is opening up to private participation. However, outdated infrastructure and limited capacity remain challenges.
• Air Transport: Air freight is growing but remains a niche segment, used mainly for high-value and perishable goods.
• Customs: Customs reforms have been initiated in most countries, but systems are still complex and require significant improvements.
• Logistics: The logistics sector is evolving, with opportunities for more integrated services as the region diversifies its economy.
• Intra-Regional Trade: Despite growth, it remains underdeveloped. Land borders are a major constraint, requiring transshipment and manual processing.

Recommendations

• Improve Port Infrastructure: Increase port capacity and draft to accommodate larger vessels and reduce congestion.
• Reduce Port Charges: Lower staffing and increase efficiency through private management and revised concession terms.
• Enhance Inland Transport: Develop better inland transport networks to reduce dwell times and improve cargo movement.
• Streamline Customs Procedures: Implement more efficient and computerized customs systems to reduce delays and costs.
• Upgrade Logistics Services: Encourage integrated logistics services that include transport, warehousing, and inventory control.
• Develop Dedicated Freight Corridors: Invest in dedicated freight corridors to increase rail capacity and improve service quality.
• Promote Intra-Regional Trade: Focus on improving land ports and reducing transshipment to facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

Conclusion

South Asia has made strides in improving its trade and transport systems, but significant challenges remain. The region needs to focus on infrastructure development, policy reform, and the adoption of more efficient logistics practices to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.