In an unprecedented step for regional economic integration, the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced the launch of the First Regional Trade Facilitation Reform TrackerThe main objective of the digital platform is to support the implementation of the Central American Strategy for Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness, with Emphasis on Coordinated Border Management – 2023 (ECFCC-2023).
The cooperation agreement was signed today (16.06.2025) by Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, and Francisco Lima Mena, Secretary General of SIECA. The tracker, funded by the European Union, becomes a strategic tool that will facilitate institutional coordination and allow real-time monitoring of reforms that seek to reduce costs and time in regional trade.
A digital tool to monitor progress in real time
"The Reform Tracker focuses on coordinating and monitoring key trade facilitation reforms.“,” Ms. Grynspan said. “"This partnership demonstrates the region's commitment to using digital tools to improve trade efficiency, transparency, and inclusion. We are delighted to support SIECA and its member states on their journey toward regional integration by strengthening coordinated management."
Tailored to the needs of the member countries of the Central American system, the Reform Tracker will become the key operational support for advancing the implementation of trade policies.
It will improve efficiency in border management
The tool will allow monitor the measures implemented in real time, coordinate actions between public and private institutions, and efficiently manage established tasks and schedules. In addition, it will enable the automatic generation of progress reports, which will contribute to more agile, transparent and evidence-based decision-making.
The project also includes the Tracker customization and implementation by SIECA, as well as the technical training of the officials who will use it, through virtual seminars and an online course. UNCTAD will also provide ongoing technical advice and facilitate global access to the platform.
"The implementation of the Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness Strategy, with an Emphasis on Coordinated Border Management (ECFCC-2023), requires a reliable monitoring, evaluation and follow-up tool, which this project is designed to provide.", said Lima Mena. “Together with UNCTAD, and with the financial support of the European Union, this tool will be a key element for progress in the execution of the regional implementation plan and for monitoring the impact results linked to the process.”".
According to SIECA, this initiative is based on the progress already shown by the Member States, including the reduction of border crossing times, regulatory harmonization and the construction of digital and interoperable systems., Cothe Central American Digital Trade Platform (PDCC).
In short, the Reform Tracker not only optimizes internal processes but also strengthens transparency and accountability, while promoting effective coordination between public and private institutions. By integrating all cross-border trade actors into a single digital platform, the tool becomes an important catalyst for the agile and collaborative implementation of necessary reforms.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
