UNDP PAFTA +

The program did not provide evidence of measurable results towards its development impact objective "Growth is inclusive and sustainable, incorporating productive capacities that create employment and livelihoods for the poor and excluded groups of people" Assessing this program's attribution and additionally for reduction of poverty and oppression (i.e. employment, livelihoods, youth, women, etc) is not possible for several reasons discussed in the rest of this document. That said, below is a list of deliverables (activities) completed under each program outcome mainly during 2021. Outcome 1: LAS capacity strengthened to manage processes of regional economic integration. - The program introduced cumulation of origin of goods and notification mechanisms for new national trade regulations. Consumer protection guidelines were developed according to international standards. however, there is no evidence that new trade regulations and guidelines have been adopted or implemented. - Consultation mechanisms prepared with LAS (Economic sector). The draft agreement for trade facilitation has included those mechanisms. - Prepared and discussed concept notes on the structure of the Arab Customs agreement. The Arab Custom Union has not been established yet. Outcome 2: members States are capacitated and technically prepared for regional economic integration. - Analysed the performance of the Moroccan single window for supply chains. - Mutual recognition of LAS countries' trade agreements and harmonization of qualifications and regulations in the tourism and services sectors. The latter was a missed opportunity by the program to measure regional job creation and reduce inequality in sectors that employ heavily youth and women in the region. - Disseminated knowledge on WTO trade facilitation agreement for a future PAFTA agreement upgrade. special attention was given to compliance with international standards, transparency, rules of origin, and measures of trade facilitation. Pre-arrival clearance of shipments/containers was achieved in Jordan. Although this was not replicated at a regional level, several LAS countries adopted measures to facilitate movements of medical goods and foodstuff. This was important especially since the pandemic. Outcome 3: Engagement of key development actors ensured through inclusive and transparent processes for regional economic integration. - Analysis and training materials were given to LAS members to mitigate corruption at border control in compliance with the Arusha Declaration, the UN Convention against corruption, etc. This includes a technical briefing of stakeholders and support of anti-corruption with the framework of Reform - Reconstruction - Rebuild (3Rs). However, the program has not provided evidence that analysis, training materials, and technical briefings given by the program have been adopted or put into practice by LAS members yet. - Report on the impact of preferential trade agreements and economic empowerment for women (WEE). Concepts were developed for Morocco and Egypt. Policy recommendations have been piloted in Morocco with cooperatives to support the export of Argan oil and derivative products. Last, some program activities have served to identify potential technical models and solutions in the pursuit of upgrading the Pan Arab Free Area toward a future Arab Customs Union.

The development intervention's intended outcome aims to provide support to League of Arab States (LAS) and its member states for PAFTA Upgrading as well as preparation process for the Arab Customs Union. Enhancement of economic partnership in the region through better Arab connectivity. The impact of the intervention; LAS capacity strengthened to manage regional economic integration related processes; Members States are capacitated and technically prepared for regional economic integration and Engagement of key development actors ensured through inclusive and transparent processes for regional economic integration. The interventions development goal "Growth is inclusive and sustainable, incorporating productive capacities that create employment and livelihoods for the poor and excluded groups of people.