Advancing Convergence and Simplification of Rules of Origin in Asia and the Pacific
| Day 1: November 11, 2025 | |
| 08:45–09:15 | Registration |
| 09:15–09:45 | Opening Session Welcome by Emcee
|
| 09:45–10:15 | Session 1: Objective and Rationale of ADB/UNCTAD Research Program on Rules of Origin This session will introduce the ADB–UNCTAD research on PSROs and OCPs, highlighting the complexity of current regimes and the analytical approach used to assess convergence and divergence. It will provide the background rationale and methodology, setting the stage for the detailed presentation of convergence options in the afternoon. |
| 10:15–10:20 | Photo Session |
| 10:20–10:45 | Coffee Break |
| 10:45–12:00 | Session 2: High-Level Panel – Why Convergence Matters This session will bring together high-level representatives from RCEP participating countries and international/regional organizations to discuss why simplifying and converging Rules of Origin matters. Panelists will share perspectives on the challenges posed by complex regimes, opportunities for reform, and the political and technical considerations that shape adoption of RoO options. The discussion will highlight broad priorities and areas where governments and partners see scope for practical improvements. |
| 12:00–13:15 | Lunch |
| 13:15–14:45 | Session 3: Sectoral Options – Agriculture This session will present findings on convergence and divergence of PSROs in agricultural and processed agricultural products in selected HS chapters. It will highlight specific options for PSRO convergence and to narrow divergence and discuss implications for farmers, exporters, and customs authorities. |
| 14:45–15:00 | Coffee
Break |
| 15:00–16:30 | Session 4: Sectoral Options – Industrial Goods This session will examine PSRO options in key industrial sectors such as textiles, electronics, and automotive. It will explore areas of convergence, scope to narrow sensitive divergence, and the implications for regional value chains. |
| 16:30–17:00 | Session 5: Assessing the Performance and Utilization of Rules of Origin This session will introduce practical tools to monitor the effectiveness of Rules of Origin regimes, combining firm-level evidence from the ADB–UNCTAD business survey in Viet Nam with analysis of FTA utilization rates. It will illustrate how policymakers can use utilization data alongside private-sector feedback to identify underlying constraints and guide the design of more effective and business-friendly RoOs. |
| 17:00–17:15 | Wrap-up
of Day 1 |
| Day 2: November 12, 2025 | |
| 08:45–09:15 | Registration |
| 09:15–9:45 | Session 6: Cross-Cutting Summary of RoO Convergence This session will synthesize the sectoral findings and identify priority chapters where adoption of convergent PSROs is most feasible. It will also outline cross-cutting drafting approaches and options to support progressive reform. |
| 9:45–10:45 | Session 7: Feedback from ASEAN Members This session will invite ASEAN delegations to provide direct feedback on the PSRO and OCP options. The aim is to capture national perspectives, identify feasible areas for adoption, and flag issues requiring further analysis. |
| 10:45–11:00 | Coffee break |
| 11:00–11:45 | Session 8: Feedback from ASEAN FTA Partners (AFP) This session will invite ASEAN FTA Partners (AFP) delegations to provide direct feedback on the PSRO and OCP options. The aim is to capture national perspectives, identify feasible areas for adoption, and flag issues requiring further analysis. |
| 11:45–12:15 | Session 9: Regional and International Experiences This session will feature high-level representatives from regional and international organizations sharing experiences and lessons learned from ongoing work on Rules of Origin simplification and implementation, with a view to informing future reforms and supporting greater coherence across agreements. |
| 12:15–13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30–14:45 | Session 10: Private Sector’s Perspectives This session will bring together private-sector representatives to share their experience with Rules of Origin compliance and certification processes. Speakers will discuss how divergent PSROs and OCPs affect supply-chain operations and investment decisions and provide insights on practical reforms that could facilitate trade and reduce costs. |
| 15:30–15:45 | Coffee break |
| 15:45–16:45 | Session 11: Adoption Pathways, Next Steps, and Deliverables This session will translate the forum’s findings into actionable steps, discussing how the roadmap for convergence can be anchored in ASEAN processes, RCEP implementation mechanisms, and WTO Committees (such as the CRO and trade facilitation bodies). Participants will explore sequencing, political feasibility, and opportunities for cross-regional alignment, while identifying concrete next steps and deliverables to sustain momentum and guide follow-up work after the forum. |
| 16:45–17:00 | Closing remarks |