Wolters Kluwer Law & Business Single Windows and Trade Facilitation: A Tool for Development (Global Trade Law, 49)

The Single Windows electronic environment, introduced as part of the World Trade Organizations Agreement on Trade Facilitation (ATF) in December 2013, promises to bring meaningful gains to all parties involved in cross-border commerce. However, a common view in developing countries is that the systems implementation costs far outweigh its presumed (and questionable) benefits. Now, in this first book to critically examine the correlation between Single Windows and economic development, the author analyses key challenges facing the adoption of Single Windows and offers well-thought-out direction to developing countries preparing to enforce the relevant provisions of the ATF. The author envisions trade facilitation, especially in its Single Windows guise, as an enabler for addressing the internal constraints of developing countries. Among the issues and topics he addresses are the following: how Single Windows increases developing countries competitiveness in attracting export-oriented investors; how Single Windows plugs administrative loopholes that allow corruption to thrive; how Single Windows promotes efficiency in transmission of documents, border tax collection, and service delivery; overcoming digital divide barriers and technological challenges; the crucial role of technical assistance and capacity building (TACB); the technological benefits of e-governance diffusion into an economy; mitigating the protectionist policies exercised by developed countries; legal concerns over electronically authenticated documents; and managing Single Windows implementation and operational costs. It is shown clearly throughout how the adoption of Single Windows can improve the quality of business and administrative decision making and promote economic development.