PRELIM
FOR LESS DEVELOPED MEMBERS
THE GENERAL AGREEMENTS ON TARIFFS AND
TRADE (GATT)
Set up in 1947 as a Negotiating Forum on the
reduction of trade barriers.
A multilateral treaty which provides rules for
international trade.
An international court for the settlement of trade
disputes.
Consisted of 8 rounds (series of negotiations)
starting from the Geneva Round to the Uruguay
Round.
The final act concluding the Uruguay Round and
officially establishing the WTO regime was signed on
April 15, 1994, during the ministerial meeting at
Marrakesh, Morocco, and hence is known as the
Marrakesh Agreement.
THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
A single, formal and permanent international trade
organization dealing with the rules of trade between
nations.
This is the successor of the GATT – a multilateral
treaty which provides a code of agreed rules for
international trade embodying rights and obligations
of a legal character which entered into force on
January 1, 1948.
Serves as a negotiating forum and trade dispute
settlement body on trade problems between
members.
As of July 2016, there are already 164 members
representing more than 97% of the world’s
population.
Headed by Director
The Philippines is a member since January 1, 1995.
OBJECTIVES OF THE WTO
To help trade flow as freely as possible;
To achieve further liberalization of trade through
negotiations; and
To set up an impartial means of settling dispute.
FUNCTIONS OF THE WTO
1. Administration of trade agreements;
2. Forum of trade negotiations and trade disputes;
3. Monitor the national trade policies;
4. Technical assistance and training for developing
and least developed countries; and
5. Cooperation with other international organizations.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF WTO
NON-DISCRIMINATION
Members shall not discriminate between their trading
partners (MFN principle); or between national and
foreign like products, services or nationals (national
treatment principle).
MORE OPEN TRADE
Involves efforts in reducing or eliminating obstacles to
trade.
TRANSPARENCY AND PREDICTABILITY
Traders and members need to know trade rules
around the world (transparency) and that trade
measures will not be raised/introduced arbitrarily
(predictability).
SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT
Developing and least developing members face
particular challenges when dealing with trade
liberalization; therefore, they are provided greater
flexibility, given more time to adjust to the rules, and
granted other special rights.
THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE
WTO:
The Ministerial Conference
The highest decision-making body of the WTO;
Meets at least once every two years to review the
ongoing work, provide political guidance and direction
to that work, and set the agenda for further works as
necessary.
The General Council
Composed of the representatives from all members:
usually Member’s Ambassadors or Permanent
Representatives based in Geneva.
The GC meets as appropriate to adopt decisions, on
behalf of the MC, when the latter is not in session.
The GC has authority over the Trade Negotiation
Committee which is in charge of the negotiations
mandated by the Doha Development Agenda.
The GC also meets as:
o Dispute Settlement Body – establishes panels of
independent experts to resolve the disputes, adopts
the rulings of the panels and oversees the
implementation of those rulings;
o Trade Policy Review Body – administers trade
policy reviews as mandated by the Trade Policy
Review Mechanism of the WTO.
Councils and Subsidiary Bodies
- Council for Trade in Goods
Oversees all the issues related to the WTO Agreement
on Trade in Goods. It supervises the work of various
committees responsible for specific matters.
- Council for Trade in Services
Oversees all issues related to the General Agreement
of Trade in Services (GATS).
- Council for Trade-Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property
Oversees all issues related to the Trade-Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
Agreement.
How are decisions made at the WTO?
The WTO continues GATT’s tradition of making
decisions not by voting but by consensus. Where
consensus is not possible, the WTO Agreement allows
for voting – a vote being won with a majority of the
votes cast, unless otherwise provided in said
Agreement. At meetings of the MC and the GC, each
WTO members shall have one vote.
In What Ways does the WTO Operate?
As a set of multilaterally-agreed rules governing the
trade behaviour of governments providing, in
essence, the rules of the road for trade;
As a forum for trade negotiations in which the trade
environment is liberalized and made more predictable
either through the opening of national markets or the
reinforcement and extension of the rules themselves;
As an international court where governments can
resolve disputes with other WTO members.
How does the WTO promote trade
liberalization?
Through the conduct of multilateral trade negotiations
known as “Rounds”, to remove or reduce barriers to
world trade.
THE URUGUAY ROUND
The UR was the eighth round of multilateral trade
negotiations conducted within the framework of the
GATT, spanning 1986 to 1994 and including 123
countries as “contracting parties”. It covered areas
before integrated into GATT – agriculture, textiles and
clothing, services, trade-related intellectual property
rights, and trade-related investment measures.
The UR transformed the GATT into the WTO which
was established in 1995.
The Final Act embodying the 30 agreements and 22
ministerial decisions resulting from the UR, and the
Agreement to establish the World Trade Organization,
was signed on April 15, 1194 at Marrakesh, Morocco –
known as the Marrakesh Agreement.
THE THREE KEY RESULT AREAS OF THE
URUGUAY ROUND
a. Market Access
Includes negotiations in industrial tariffs, agriculture,
textiles and clothing and services.
b. Rules and Disciplines
Negotiating topics ranged from trade measures
against unfair trade (such as anti-dumping and
countervailing measures), trade measures to protect a
country against import surges and a deterioration of
its balance-of-payments, trade restrictions, customs
valuation, subsidies, intellectual property rights and
investment measures.
c. Institutional Topics
Includes dispute settlement and ways by which to
improve the conduct of the MTS, e.g.
trade policy review.
WHAT IS THE WORLD CUSTOMS
ORGANIZATION?
Established in 1952 as the Customs Cooperation
Council (CCC), the WCO maintains the Harmonized
Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), and
internationally accepted goods nomenclature and
administers technical aspects of the WTO Agreement
on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin. It adopted
the informal working name “World Customs
Organization” in order to indicate more clearly its
nature and world-wide status. However, the
Convention establishing the CCC has not been
amended, thus Customs Cooperation Council remains
its official name.
To date, the WCO has a worldwide membership of
182 Customs Administration across the globe that
collectively process approximately 98% of the world
trade. It has its headquarter in Brussels, Belgium.
FUNCTIONS OF THE WCO
To study all questions relating to cooperation in
customs matters;
To examine the technical aspects, as well as the
economic factors related thereto, of customs systems
with a view to proposing to its members practical
means of attaining the highest possible degree of
harmony and uniformity;
To prepare draft conventions and amendments to
Conventions and to recommend their adoption by
interested governments;
To make recommendations to ensure the uniform
interpretation and application of the conventions
concluded as a result of its work as well as those
concerning the Nomenclature for the Classification of
Goods in Customs Tariffs and the Valuation of Goods
for Customs Purposes and, to this end, to perform
such functions as may be expressly assigned t it those
Conventions in accordance with the provision thereof;
To make recommendations, in a conciliatory
capacity, for the settlement of disputes concerning
the interpretation or application of the Conventions
referred to in the above paragraph;
To ensure the circulation of information regarding
customs regulations and procedures;
On its own initiative or on request, to furnish
interested governments information or advice on
customs matters within the general purposes of the
present convention and to make recommendations
thereon; and
To cooperate with other intergovernmental
organizations as regards matters within its
competence.
HOW DOES THE WCO OPERATES?
The WCO is the only international organization
dealing exclusively with customs matters. It provides
for a forum where delegates representing a large
variety of members could tackle customs issues on
equal footing.
THE WORKING BODIES IN THE WCO:
Council
The highest body composed of the Directors-General
of Customs from all members and is assisted by the
Finance Committee (17 members) and by the Policy
Commission (24 members). The council meets once a
year with the aim of securing the highest degree of
harmony and uniformity in the customs system of
Member Governments.
Policy Commission
Established to act as a dynamic steering group to the
council.
Finance Committee
Acts under the overall direction of the WCO Council
with administrative support provided by the WCO
Secretariat.
Tariff and Trade Affairs:
Harmonizes System Committee
Administers the International Convention on the
Harmonized System to ensure that the HS keeps
abreast of technical progress and international trade
developments; resolves specific classification
problems; and acts as an arbitrator in customs
disputes between countries and makes decisions
regarding the tariff code applicable to goods.
Harmonized System Review Sub-Committee
Acts under the overall direction of the HS Committee
on the review and amendments of the HS having
regard to the needs of the users and to changes in
technology or in patterns of international trade, and
on the preparation of consequential amendments to
the Explanatory Notes and Compendium of
Classification Opinions.
Scientific Sub-Committee
Assists the HS Committee and the Review Sub-
Committee in their technical work particularly on the
draft HS legal texts and Explanatory Notes involving
scientific issues, and with regard to questions
involving the classification of chemical products and
those involving scientific issues.
HS Working Party
Under the overall direction of the HS Committee,
drafts the texts of possible amendments to the HS
Nomenclature, Explanatory Notes and Compendium of
Classification Opinions before their final adoption by
the HS Committee.
Technical Committee on Rules of Origin
Together with the WTO Committee on Rules of
Origin, is charged with the implementation of the
work program on the harmonization of rules of origin.
Technical Committee on Customs Valuation
Responsible for matters pertaining to customs
valuation; and prepares opinions, commentaries,
explanatory notes, case studies and surveys.
THE WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION
WORKING BODIES
The WCO Secretariat, which is based in Brussels,
Belgium, consists of more than 150 staffers
(Organization Chart - for Members only) from
around the world and runs the WCO’s day-to-day
operations under the leadership of a Secretary
General. Together with the WCO’s Committees, the
Secretariat implements the WCO Strategic Plan as
approved by the Council. The Secretariat supplies
technical, logistical and professional support to the
various working bodies established by the Council,
delivers capacity building, technical assistance, and
training, and develops and maintains international
Customs instruments and tools. The WCO’s official
working languages are English and French.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL
Dr. Kunio MIKURIYA
Dr. Kunio Mikuriya has been Secretary General of the
World Customs Organization (WCO) since 1 January
2009. He provides leadership and executive
management for the global Customs community’s
priorities, including developing global Customs
instruments, standards and tools; securing and
facilitating global trade; protecting taxable amounts
through optimal revenue collection; building Customs-
business partnerships; and delivering capacity
building in support of Customs reform and
modernization.
Prior to joining the WCO, he worked for Japan's
Ministry of Finance for 25 years. During his career
with the Ministry, Dr. Mikuriya occupied a variety of
senior posts, which have given him broad experience
and knowledge in Customs, trade, development,
budget, and financial policies. He served as Director
of Enforcement where he led efforts to fight illicit
trade, then as Director of Research and International
Affairs, paving the way for the conclusion of Japan’s
first regional trade agreement, and then as a
Counsellor in the Tariff and Customs Bureau. He also
served as Director of Salaries and Allowances to
coordinate remuneration levels for the entire
government workforce, and as the Budget Controller
for Foreign Affairs, Official Aid, International Trade
and Industry, in the Budget Bureau. In addition, he
spent time as a Counsellor at the Japanese Mission to
the WTO in Geneva and participated in the GATT
Uruguay Round trade negotiations.
Dr. Mikuriya has a degree in law from the University
of Tokyo (Japan) and a PhD in international relations
from the University of Kent (United Kingdom).
WCO MAJOR WORKING BODIES
APEC
What is the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation?
APEC refers to the association created in 1989 for
economies that share the boundaries of the Pacific
Ocean. APEC Member economies work together to
reduce barriers to trade, ease the exchange of goods,
services, resources and technical know-how, and
strengthen economic and technical cooperation
between and among members.
THE FOUR OBJECTIVES OF APEC
Sustain the growth and development of the region
for the common good of its people thus contributing
to the growth of the world economy.
 Enhance the gains of both the regional and world
economies by encouraging the flow of gods, services,
capital and technology.
Develop and strengthen the open multilateral
trading system in the interest of the Asia-Pacific
Member economies and all other economies.
Reduce barriers to trade in goods and services, and
minimize hindrance to investment among its
participants in a manner consistent with GATT/WTO
principles, where applicable, and without detriment to
other economies.
THE THREE PILLARS OF APEC
Trade and Investment Liberalization
APEC members take actions to reduce tariff and non-
tariff barriers to trade and investment that boosts job
creation, incomes and growth. Collaboration is guided
by APEC's Regional Economic Integration agenda and
includes the advancement of bilateral and regional
trade agreements and the long-term goal of a Free
Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
Business Facilitation
APEC members pursue measures to reduce the time,
cost and uncertainty of doing business in the region
and open new economic opportunities including for
small firms, women and youth. APEC's Structural
Reform agenda supports the development and
harmonization of policies that improve market access
and efficiency, and uphold public interest such as the
safeguarding of health and safety.
Economic and Technical Cooperation
ECOTECH builds the technical capacity of APEC's
diverse members to promote trade, investment and
robust, secure and sustainable economic growth that
widely benefits the region's people. Priorities include
strengthening anti-corruption, cross-border education
and skills training, emergency preparedness, energy
security, environmental protection, defense against
pandemics and infrastructure development, among
others.
APEC WORKING LEVEL
APEC's working level activities and projects are guided
by APEC Senior Officials from the 21 APEC member
economies. These activities and projects are carried
out by four high level committees:
1. Committee on Trade and Investment;
2. Senior Official’s Meeting Committee on Economic
and Technical Cooperation;
3. Economic Committee; and
4. Budget and Management Committee.
Sub-Committees, Experts' Groups, Working Groups
and Task Forces all support the activities and projects
led by these four high level committees.
Senior Official’s Meeting (SOM)
Working under direction from APEC Ministers, Senior
Officials guide the activities of the Committees,
Working Groups and Task Forces. Senior Officials
develop recommendations for APEC Ministers and
APEC Economic Leaders. Senior Officials' Meetings are
held three to four times a year with the chair from the
host economy.
What are the Committees, Working Groups and
SOM Task Groups?
Committee on Trade and Investment
The Committee on Trade and Investment coordinates
APEC's work on the liberalization and facilitation of
trade and investment. The Committee on Trade and
Investment also works to reduce impediments to
business activity through its Sub-Committees and
Experts' Groups.
SOM Committee on Economic and Technical
Cooperation
The SOM Committee on Economic and Technical
Cooperation assists APEC Senior Officials in
coordinating and managing APEC's economic and
technical cooperation agenda, as well as identifying
initiatives for cooperative action by member
economies.
Economic Committee
The Economic Committee (EC) has a mandate to
promote structural reform within APEC by undertaking
policy analysis and action-oriented work. The EC
progresses this mandate in close coordination with
other relevant APEC groups; for instance, the
Competition Policy and Law Group (CPDG) and the
Finance Ministers' Process (FMP)
Budget and Management Committee
The Budget and Management Committee advises the
SOM on budgetary, administrative and managerial
issues. It also monitors and evaluates project
management aspects of the operations of Committees
and Working Groups and makes recommendations to
SOM for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
ACTION PLANS
In order to meet APEC's Bogor Goals for free and
open trade and investment in Asia-Pacific, APEC
member economies follow the strategic roadmap as
agreed by APEC Economic Leaders in Osaka, Japan in
1995. This roadmap is known as the Osaka Action
Agenda.
APEC member economies report progress towards
achieving free and open trade and investment goals
through Individual Action Plans (IAPs) and Collective
Action Plans (CAPs), submitted to APEC on an annual
basis. Individual and Collective Action Plans are
available through the dedicated e-IAP website. This
site provides the ability to search individual APEC
member economy IAPs, compare IAPs across years
and view CAPs.
OSAKA ACTION AGENDA
The Osaka Action Agenda provides a framework for
meeting the Bogor Goals through trade and
investment liberalisation, business facilitation and
sectoral activities, underpinned by policy dialogues
and economic and technical cooperation. As part of
this framework, General Principles have been defined
for APEC member economies as they proceed through
the APEC liberalisation and facilitation process.
The following General Principles are provided in the
Osaka Action Agenda and are applied to the entire
APEC liberalisation and facilitation process:
Comprehensiveness - addressing all impediments to
achieving the long-term goal of free and open trade.
WTO-consistency - measures undertaken in the
context of the APEC Action Agenda are consistent
with the principles of the World Trade Organization
(WTO).
Comparability - APEC member economies
endeavour to have comparable trade and investment
liberalisation and facilitation, taking into account the
general levels achieved by each APEC economy.
Non-discrimination - reductions in barriers to trade
achieved through APEC are available to all APEC
Member Economies and non-APEC economies.
Transparency - the laws, regulations and
administrative procedures in all APEC member
economies which affect the flow of goods, services
and capital among APEC member economies are
transparent.
Standstill - APEC Member Economies do not take
measures which have the effect of increasing levels of
protection.
Simultaneous start, continuous process and
differentiated timetables - APEC member economies
began simultaneously the process of liberalisation,
facilitation and cooperation and continuously
contribute to the long-term goal of free and open
trade and investment.
Flexibility - APEC member economies deal with the
liberalisation and facilitation process in a flexible
manner, taking into account differing levels of
economic development.
Cooperation - Economic and technical cooperation
contributing to liberalisation and facilitation is actively
pursued.
INDIVIDUAL ACTION PLANS
Individual Action Plans are annual reports that record
the unilateral steps taken by members to meet the
Bogor Goals. These are prepared for each of the 15
policy action areas of the Osaka Action Agenda.
APEC member economies regularly submit their
Individual Action Plans (IAPs). This is a record of
actions taken to meet its stated goals for free and
open trade and investment. APEC member economies
set their own timelines and goals, and undertake
these actions on a voluntary and non-binding basis.
As specified in the Osaka Action Agenda, reporting is
based on the following areas including:
 Tariffs
 Non-tariff measures
 Services
 Investment
 Standards and conformance
 Customs procedures
 Intellectual property rights
 Competition policy
 Government procurement
 Deregulation/regulatory review
 WTO Obligations (including rules of origin)
 Dispute mediation
 Mobility of business people
 Information gathering and analysis
 Transparency
 Regional Trade Agreements / Free Trade
Agreements (RTAs/FTAs)

WHY DO MEMBERS NEED TO SUBMIT
INDIVIDUAL ACTION PLAN?
To improve the transparency of trade and
investment regimes, providing valuable information to
business and thereby facilitating intra-APEC trade and
investment;
To encourage members to focus on policy issues
which need to be addressed to achieve the Bogor
goals through annual reporting and a peer review
process;
To maintain and demonstrate the momentum of
APEC trade and investment efforts, thereby
encouraging liberalization in non-APEC economies
through WTO processes; and
To enable members to learn from the liberalization
and facilitation experiences of others.
ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES
The term Environmental Goods and Services (EGS)
refers to the industry sector devoted to solving,
limiting or preventing environmental problems. EGS
companies may be involved in manufacturing and/or
services related to water or air pollution, waste
management, recycling, renewable energy,
monitoring and analysis and assessment.
WHAT ARE THE COVERAGE OF THE APEC
ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS LIST?
Renewable and clean energy technologies such as
solar panels, gas and wind turbines;
Wastewater treatment technologies such as filters
and ultraviolet disinfection equipment;
Air pollution control technologies such as soot
removers and catalytic converters;
Solid and hazardous waste treatment technologies
such as waste incinerators and crushing and sorting
machinery; and
Environmental monitoring and assessment
equipment such as air and water quality monitors,
and manometers to measure pressure and water
delivery systems.
WHAT IS THE PHILIPPINES’ ENVIRONMENTAL
GOODS SCHEDULE?
On June 26, 2015, EO 185 was issued, modifying the
MFN rate of certain environmental goods, in
compliance with the Philippines’ commitment. Items
subjected to 5% MFN rates included condensers for
stream or other
MIDTERM
WHAT IS THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST
ASIAN NATIONS?
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was
established in August 8, 1967 through the Bangkok
Declaration and is a regional stability among the
countries in the Southeast Asian Region.
Who are the founding members?
Indonesia;
Malaysia;
Philippines;
Singapore; and
Thailand
Brunei Darussalam joined on January 7, 1984, Viet
Nam on July 28, 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on
July 23, 1997 and Cambodia on April 30, 1999.
ASEAN’s main objectives are to accelerate
economic growth, enhance social progress and
cultural development and to promote regional
peace and stability in the region.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ASEAN
The following are the fundamental principles as
contained on the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
in Southeast Asia of 1976:
Mutual respect for the independence,
sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and
national identity of all nations;
Right of every state to lead its national existence
free from external interference, subversion and
coercion;
Non-interference in the internal affairs of one
another;
Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful
manner;
Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and
Effective cooperation among each other.
THE ASEAN CHARTER
The ASEAN Charter refers to the legal document
that provides the legal status and institutional
framework for cooperation within the ASEAN region
and towards the formulation of the ASEAN
Community. This also codifies the norms, rules and
values; sets clear targets for ASEAN; and presents
accountability and compliance.
The Charter was signed by the government of the
10 AMS on November 20, 2007 and entered into
force on December 15, 2008.
PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION AND
ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS
a. The procedure for application and admission to
ASEAN shall be prescribed by the ASEAN
Coordinating Council.
b. Admission shall be based on the following
criteria:
Location in the recognized geographical region
of Southeast Asia;
Recognition by all AMS;
Agreement to be bound and abide by the
ASEAN Charter; and
Ability and willingness to carry out the
obligations of membership.
c. Admission shall be decided by consensus by the
ASEAN Summit, upon the recommendation of the
ACC.
d. An applicant shall be admitted to ASEAN upon
signing an Instrument of Accession to the Charter.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE SETTLEMENT
OF DISPUTES
Member States shall endeavour to resolve
peacefully all disputes in a timely manner through
dialogue, consultation and negotiation.
ASEAN shall maintain and establish dispute
settlement mechanisms in all fields of ASEAN
cooperation.
What will happen to unresolved disputes?
After the application of the preceding provisions, the
dispute shall be referred to the ASEAN Summit, for its
decision.
THE ASEAN SUMMIT
The organization holds meeting known as the
“ASEAN Summit”, where heads of the state or
government of each member states meet to
discuss and resolve regional issues, as well as meet
with other countries outside of the bloc with the
intention of promoting external relations.
(Please refer to the Primer on Developments in
Tariff and Trade Policy)
The ASEAN Summit also appoints the Secretary-
General of ASEAN.
The meetings are held twice annually, and hosted
by the Member State holding the ASEAN
Chairmanship; and convened , whenever
necessary, as special or ad hoc meetings chaired by
the Member State holding the ASEAN
Chairmanship, at venues to be agreed upon by the
AMS.
THE BODIES COMPRISING THE ASEAN
SUMMIT:
ASEAN Coordinating Council
- Comprises the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and
meets at least twice a year.
- Prepare the meetings of the ASEAN Summit;
- Coordinate the implementation of agreements
and decisions of the ASEAN Summit;
- Coordinate with the ASEAN Community Councils
to enhance policy coherence, efficiency and
cooperation among them;
- Coordinate the reports of the ASEAN Community
Councils to the ASEAN Summit;
- Consider the annual report of the Secretary-
General on the work of ASEAN;
- Consider the report of the Secretary-General on
the functions and operations of the ASEAN
Secretariat and other relevant bodies;
- Approve the appointment and termination of the
Deputy Secretaries-General upon recommendation
of the Secretary-General; and
- Undertake other tasks provided for or such other
functions as me be assigned by the ASEAN Summit.
ASEAN Community Councils
- Comprises the three pillars of the ASEAN
Community: ASEAN Political-Security Community
Council, ASEAN Economic Community Council and
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council.
- Ensure the implementation of the relevant
decisions of the ASEAN Summit;
- Coordinate the work of the different sectors under
its purview, and on issues which cut across the
other Community Councils; and
- Submit reports and recommendations to the
ASEAN Summit on matters under its purview.
ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies economic integration of the region towards the
- Implement the agreements and decisions of the realization of the AEC by 2015.
ASEAN Summit under their respective purview. (Please refer to Primer)

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ADDITIONAL REVIEW ON MIDTERM:

The ASEAN Summit appoints the Secretary-General READ THE OPERATIONAL CERTIFICATION
of ASEAN, with the rank and status of a Minister, PROCEDURE FOR THE RULES OF ORIGIN
who will serve with the confidence and at the FOR ALL ASEAN MS.
pleasure of the ASEAN Heads of State or
Government upon recommendation of the ASEAN
Foreign Ministers Meeting.
He/She is appointed for a non-renewable term of
office of five years, selected from among nationals
of the AMS based on alphabetical rotation with due
consideration to integrity, capability professional
experience and gender equality.
The Secretary-General’s mandate is to initiate,
advise, coordinate and implement ASEAN activities.
He chairs the meetings of the ASEAN Standing
Committee on behalf of the ASEAN Standing
Committee Chairman, except the first and the last.

DETERMINATION OF THE ASEAN

CHAIRMANSHIP
The chairmanship of ASEAN shall rotate annually,
based on the alphabetical order of the English
names of the member states.

THE ASEAN COMMUNITY (please refer to the

primer)

THE ASEAN FREE TRADE AREA (AFTA)

The AFTA is a trade bloc agreement which seeks to
remove obstacles to freer trade among AMS through
the abolition of tariffs on traded goods and the
scrapping of quantitative restrictions and other non-
tariff barriers that limit the entry of imports. The ASEAN
Heads of Government agreed the establishment of
AFTA by the year 2008 at the 4th ASEAN Summit held in
Singapore on January 28, 1992.

THE COMMON EFFECTIVE PREFERENTIAL

TARIFF SCHEME
The CEPT is the main implementing mechanism of
the AFTA. This means that AMS shall have common
effective tariffs among themselves in AFTA but the
level of tariffs vis-à-vis non-ASEAN countries shall
continue to be determined individually.

THE ASEAN TRADE IN GOODS AGREEMENT

(ATIGA)
An improvement over the CEPT-AFTA Scheme, the
ATIGA consolidates into one comprehensive
agreement the existing initiatives, obligations and
commitments by the AMS with regard to both trade
in goods and non-tariff elements. The ATIGA was
signed on February 2009 and entered into force on
May 17, 2010 upon notification of the ratification of
all AMS.

What is the objective of the ATIGA?

ATIGA seeks to achieve free flow of goods in
ASEAN as one of the principal means to establish a
single market and production base for the deeper