These talks at the World Trade Organization (WTO) have reduced tariffs on goods crossing national borders considerably.
One study, for example, found that barriers to export performance in Africa are closely related to firm characteristics and policies that raise trade costs.
Much of these relate to addressing regulatory reform and other steps—that in contrast to hard infrastructure—constitute the major part of why engaging in trade takes longer in developing countries.
Due to this innovation the processing time for trade documentation became reduced from 18 to 7 days which probably had led to substantial productivity gains according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
They observe that in some developing countries inefficient trade regulations, documents and procedures are hindering firms' participation in export markets.
The largest gain ($154 billion) comes from an improvement in information technology infrastructure which is increasingly applied all across the trade value and logistics chain.
Developing countries participated very actively in these negotiations and before the suspension of the Doha Round in late 2006 considerable progress had been achieved (World Bank, 2006).
These rules have not been revised in over 50 years and crafting an achievable and focused next step in the Doha Agenda will be helpful to traders.
This is especially true for small and medium-sized firms that lack resources and networks to overcome some of the more complex border rules now in place.
More effective delivery of development aid and technical assistance especially in projects to advance regulatory reform and support public agencies that promulgate and administer trade regulations is needed.
At the most basic level, better data, analysis, and indicators of performance are needed to inform discussions moving forward on how trade costs and facilitation measures affect global commerce.
Progress in reaching development goals in trade can only be made with accurate data and analysis to drive policy choice and action.
In sum, the data gathered to date illustrate the fact that the non-tariff agenda in trade is increasingly important to economic development ahead.