ELEVENTH APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
9 - 10 SEPTEMBER 1999
ANNEX A: APEC TRADE FACILITATION ACHIEVEMENTS
- Faster Customs Clearances
Faster customs clearances through direct electronic communication
with Customs authorities without paperwork
- More Consistent Customs Valuations
Standard procedures for more consistent and transparent customs valuations
of traded goods.
- Expanded E-Commerce and Paperless Trading
Improved electronic access to markets for business and commitment to a goal
of paperless trading by 2005 for developed and 2010 for developing economies,
or as soon as possible thereafter.
- Simplified Business Travel
Simpler business travel with multiple entry visas, internet visa information
and visa-free short-term entry via the APEC Business Travel Card.
- Alignment of Standards for
Food, Electrical, Machinery and Rubber Products
Alignment of domestic standards with international standards for goods
such as radios, televisions, videos, refrigerators, air-conditioners, rubber
gloves and food labelling, by 2005.
- Lower Cost of Trade in Electrical Equipment
Lower cost of trade in electrical goods such as computers, toasters,
televisions, radios and power-tools through a single test for conformity assessments.
- Lower Cost of Trade in Telecommunications
Equipment
Lower cost of trade in telecommunications goods such as phones, faxes,
modems, PABXs and radio transmitters, worth an estimated US$50 billion per year,
through a single test for conformity assessments.
- Simplified Sales of Telecommunications
Services
Simplified negotiation of telecommunications contracts and easier
commercial access to telecommunication networks.
- Less Risk for Investment in Energy Infrastructure
Better informed investment decisions in energy infrastructure through
the Manual of Best Practice Principles for Independent Power Producers and the
Natural Gas Initiative.
- Market Access Information for
Architects, Engineers and Accountants
Instant market access information for architects, engineers and
accountants.
- Less Waste in Fresh Seafood Trade
Less wastage and shorter transport times for fresh seafood.
Transparent Y2K preparedness, risk assessment and contingency planning.
- Market Access Information
Internet access to information on tariffs, investment, e-commerce,
intellectual property, business travel, government procurement, business opportunities,
marine ports and labour markets.
