Perspectives on Rules of Origin Analytical and Policy Insights from the Indian Experience

Rules of origin have emerged as one of the most controversial issues in any trade negotiations. This book analyzes the economics of rules of origin in regional trade agreements. It critically evaluates the empirical aspects, providing fresh perspectives on complex policy-negotiations and rules of origin implementation.

Ram Upendra Das is Senior Fellow at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, India. He obtained his PhD and MPhil degrees from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has conducted a number of studies for various institutions including the ADB, ILO, EXIM Bank of India, SAARC Secretariat, UNDP and World Bank. He has also contributed to various studies and international negotiating processes on behalf of the Government of India in the context of India's economic engagements with other countries. He has several publications to his credit on issues relating to international economics and development. Rajan Sudesh Ratna has been a professor in the Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, since June 2008 after having served the Government of India for more than 21 years. He belongs to the Indian Trade Service, a specialized service in the Government of India dealing with matters of international trade policy formulation and implementation. He worked initially in the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and later in the Ministry of Commerce in the area of international trade and economic matters. He participated in several negotiations relating to WTO, preferential trade agreements, Free Trade Agreements, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), and rules of origin. He has published several papers on regional and multilateral trade issues in leading periodicals.

Preface
Acknowledgement
Contents
List of Tables, Boxes, Figures
Introduction
Conceptual Basis for Rules of Origin
Merits and Demerits of Rules of Origin
Rules of Origin as Practiced in Different RTAs
Rules of Origin in India’s RTAs
Rules of Origin in Trade in Services
Policy Implications of Rules of Origin
References
Index