An Advocacy Agenda for Mainstreaming Consumer Interest in South Asian Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Bipul Chatterjee CUTS International Cost of Economic Non-Cooperation to Consumers in South Asia Kathmandu, 3-4 February 2011

Results of the Study 2  Trade literature treats reciprocal exchange of import concessions for export opportunities as an absolute necessity for the functioning of trade agreements.  Despite the prospects of consumer welfare gains to be had, imports are generally viewed disapprovingly under the influence of protectionism.  Evidence of protectionism as a major obstacle for South Asian Intra- regional trade.  Empirical evidence for significant consumer welfare gains from enhanced intra-regional trade in South Asia.

 Various categories of South Asian stakeholders have very low expectations in general about consumer welfare gains, owing to either ignorance about the issue or negligence as an unimportant factor.  Lack of reference to consumer welfare gains in the academic literature as wells as in the popular media has heavily influenced the perceptions of all categories of stakeholders.  Despite its stagnant state, general perception is that South Asian intraregional trade is under- performing currently and its potential is highly under-rated. Stakeholders believe a turnaround is possible by disentangling trade issues from non-trade issues plaguing the region. Results of the Study 3

Key Messages Importance of Networking  Lack of awareness about consumer welfare gains and lack of involvement of consumer organisations in trade issues are equally important causes of oversight of gains from imports in the South Asian context  Build networks of consumer organisations in the region to discuss and spread awareness about consumer welfare gains from intra-regional trade liberalisation  Organising regional workshops for relevant CSOs in various South Asian Capital cities. 4

 It is crucial to inspire further detailed studies on the topic of loss of consumer welfare gains and other trade costs owing to tariff and non- tariff barriers in the region, generating more informed discussions and subsequently mainstream the issue in policy making process.  Trade economists from within and outside the region should be inspired and supported to conduct more detailed research on benefits from trade with specific reference to consumer welfare gains, incorporating effects of trade facilitation and removal of NTBs.  International academic seminars on specific topics with the intent to attract research outputs from outstanding scholars. Key Messages Importance of Research 5

 Two of the most important concerns of the industry, (i) safeguards for import sensitive sectors and (ii) non-tariff barriers faced by exporters, should be taken into account for balanced negotiation process.  Increase involvement of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in holding targeted consultations with chambers of industry/producers/exporters from South Asian member states with the objective of balancing interests of consumer and producer groups. Key Messages Importance of Balancing Concerns of Producers and Consumers 6

Key Messages Importance of Inclusiveness 7  Concerns of consumers in trade matters should be adequately represented at the national level and subsequently at the regional level.  Increase the involvement of SAARC secretariat in facilitating balanced representation using its channels of liaison with national trade policy making bodies, chambers of industries and CSOs.  Commissioning of a project for mapping inclusiveness in trade issues at the regional and national level with the objective of framing strategies for improvement.

 Publicising consumer welfare impact of intra-regional trade through popular media is crucial for garnering support.  CUTS with the collaboration of partner organisations in five South Asian countries to use press releases, an online discussion forum and poster campaigns for popularising the topic. Key Messages Importance of Publicising 8

Thank You 9