The Design and Operation of Rules of Origin in Greater Arab Free Trade Area

25 Pages Posted: 27 Dec 2018

See all articles by Bashar H. Malkawi

Bashar H. Malkawi

College of Law University of Arizona; Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Mohammad I. El-Shafie

University of Sharjah

Date Written: April 10, 2018

Abstract

Rules of origin (ROO) are pivotal element of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA). ROO are basically established to ensure that only eligible products receive preferential tariff treatment. Taking into consideration the profound implications of ROO for enhancing trade flows and facilitating the success of regional integration, this article sheds light on the way that ROO in GAFTA are designed and implemented. Moreover, the article examines the extent to which ROO still represents an obstacle to the full implementation of GAFTA. In addition, the article provides ways to overcome the most important shortcomings of ROO text in the agreement and ultimately offering possible solutions to those issues.

Keywords: rules of origin, GAFTA, Arab countries, free trade, trade agreements

JEL Classification: F1

Suggested Citation

Malkawi, Bashar H. and El-Shafie, Mohammad I., The Design and Operation of Rules of Origin in Greater Arab Free Trade Area (April 10, 2018). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3298309 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3298309

Bashar H. Malkawi (Contact Author)

College of Law University of Arizona ( email )

College of Law, University of Arizona
1201 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ Tucson 85721
United States

Economic Research Forum (ERF) ( email )

21 Al-Sad Al-Aaly St.
(P.O. Box: 12311)
Dokki, Cairo
Egypt

Mohammad I. El-Shafie

University of Sharjah

University City Road
P. O. Box 27272
Sharjah, 27272
United Arab Emirates

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