Chronicles efforts to reduce the high tariff and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) imposed by many low-income countries until the 1980s; confirms the link between trade liberalization and growth; and discusses the broad economic rationale for improving the design of non-tariff measures (NTMs). Though tariffs have been lowered progressively over the last 30 years, overall trade costs have remained high, in particular for low-income countries; NTMs often create conflicts of interest and employ increasing complexity. Regional efforts to impose NTB reduction, harmonization, and mutual recognition agendas have come from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as from East Africa. In an alternative approach each country views NTM streamlining as part of a broader but largely domestic regulatory improvement agenda. Cambodia has put in place an NTM committee, mandating transparency, evaluation, and improvement of procedures; Mexico’s experience stresses four key strengths of political anchor, international support, institutional setup, and engagement of national administration.