Support for Lebanon’s Accession to the World Trade Organization Program

The current project, initiated in December 2009, aimed to facilitate Lebanon's WTO accession by creating a sound regulatory environment for trade. The project's work plan included supporting the creation of private sector-led working groups and increasing the use of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). RIA is a policy tool for providing detailed information about the potential effects of regulatory measures, including costs and benefits to all parties affected by the regulation. The tool facilitates careful consideration of the details that should be taken into account when designing and implementing a regulation. RIAs help ensure that government regulations are effective and efficient, resulting in the greatest net public benefit. The project's case study on the impact of Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry Decision No. 950/1 on food and beverages producers and other stakeholders revealed several benefits from compliance. These benefits include improved access to export markets, increased local sales, reduced risks of liability through improved hygiene and health standards, reduced costs through better control over inputs and reduction of defective products, improved labor productivity, increased food safety, and improved ability to compete with imports. The project's tools for performing RIA included surveys, field visits, working group meetings, interviews, and statistics. The results of the RIA helped stakeholders understand the benefits and costs of the regulation, facilitating informed decision-making. The project's focus on RIA and private sector engagement aimed to create a sound regulatory environment for trade in Lebanon, ultimately supporting the country's WTO accession.