The World Customs Organization (WCO) has announced that it has once again joined forces with international partner organizations to continue advancing the digitalization of trade, on the path to a transformative recovery.
Thus, the WCO participated in the 2022 Global Forum for National Trade Facilitation Committees alongside other organizations providing assistance for the implementation of global trade facilitation in the context of COVID-19, following Annex D+. Namely: Global Trade Facilitation Partnership, International Trade Centre, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, World Bank and World Trade Organization.
The virtual meeting was held from 1 to the 4 of February of 2022 and went led by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
At the high-level opening session, Speakers agreed on the need to ensure that National Trade Facilitation Committees are well-functioning, holistic and dynamic, recalling their critical role in facilitating trade., especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, through collaborative agreements between all public and private sectors. Speakers also highlighted the adoption of digital tools, the growth of e-commerce, and the importance of MSMEs and women traders.
In turn, the WCO Secretary-General Kunio Mikuriya stressed the importance of trade facilitation during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemicThe world's top customs authority said that by simplifying and standardizing border procedures and creating transparent and predictable conditions for trade, customs administrations facilitate legitimate business, which in turn increases economic growth and job opportunities.
Likewise, Mikuriya mentioned a survey conducted in 2021, where the WCO took stock of the situation in the area of National Trade Facilitation Committees., including the challenges and opportunities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that “many of them have suspended their work due to the impossibility of meeting in person.” However, she clarified: “in some cases, National Trade Facilitation Committees played an important role in addressing facilitation priorities during the pandemic and have benefited from the sense of urgency generated by the crisis.”
El The Secretary-General stressed the need to strengthen the partnership between all relevant government authorities to enhance cooperation of border agencies.. “It is essential in emergency situations,” he stressed. He then reiterated “the need to promote dialogue and collaboration with the business community.” In this regard, he highlighted the private sector’s contribution to digitalization, the implementation of Release Time Studies and the advancement of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, taking into account the specific challenges of MSMEs.
Also The world's top customs authority stressed the importance of greater diversity and inclusion in trade facilitation reforms, including improving conditions for women traders. “The WCO supports this agenda through its Gender Equality and Diversity Network, among others,” she recalled. She also reiterated her commitment to the agenda of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in developing and least developed countries through the Mercator Programme.
It should be noted that on February 22, 2017, the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement entered into force. By September 2020, 93,3 percent of WTO members had ratified specific provisions in the agreement, setting the stage for its full implementation. Implementation of the agreement is expected to reduce trade costs by up to 18 percent, with the largest decreases likely to be experienced by low- and middle-income countries. The agreement is also estimated to increase global trade by USD 1 trillion annually, facilitated by lower border transaction costs and faster delivery of exports and imports. (WCO Press Release)
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.
