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NICARAGUA - Creation of the Textile Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) Office under DR-CAFTA E-mail
Friday, 17 February 2006
Support to the Government of Nicaragua in the Creation of of the Office for Textile Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) under DR-CAFTA

Overview
In October 2004, CARANA Corporation, working in coordination with the National Free Zones Commission (Comisión Nacional de Zonas Francas – CNZF) and MIFIC began working on a project to create the Administrative Office for Textile Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) that Nicaragua was able to negotiate as part of the DR-CAFTA agreement. The main function of the Administrative Office will be to assign and manage the TPLs in Nicaragua under DR-CAFTA in a transparent and open manner.

Counterparts
Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade in Nicaragua and the National Free Zones Commission.

Timeframe
September 2004 through February 2005

Activities
The project was implemented in several phases, which included:

  • Developing a database of textile and apparel companies operating in Nicaragua.
  • Compiling historical data on exports to the United States on the companies currently operating in the textiles and apparel industry.
  • Working with the government to develop formulas for allocating TPL quotas to companies that would maximize the benefits to Nicaragua.
  • Designing and developing the software for managing the system.
  • Purchasing the hardware for this office.
  • Developing an organizational plan and staffing pattern for the Administration office and developing the profiles and job descriptions for key positions within the office.

Results
This project was completed successfully in February of 2005, and as a result, the Government of Nicaragua is now prepared to administer its textile and apparel TPL program when DR-CAFTA enters into effect. It should be noted that some additional features might have to be incorporated into the software (e.g. U.S. Customs requirements), however, the software program was designed so that modifications could be incorporated at a later date without a problem.

Relevant Documents
Download this page in PDF format here.
A.6.6.4-2 Nicaragua Specifications of Software System.pdf
A.6.6.4-3 Nicaragua Decree - Final Draft.pdf

 
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