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As leader of the Trade and Compliance Institute for Trade Facilitation, E-Business and Sustainability (TCI), Eduardo Leite drives crucial initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean to address the challenges of international trade in the digital age. At the head of this non-profit organization, he works to strengthen a sustainable ecosystem based on trust and social cohesion, acting as a bridge between the private sector, governments and intergovernmental institutions, always with a focus on ethics and transparency.
Eduardo Leite is also a member of the Customs and Trade Law Committee of the Brazilian Bar Association and serves as Regional Rapporteur for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Center for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Commerce, a United Nations organization also known as UN/CEFACT. His solid track record and deep knowledge of international trade enrich his vision of the challenges and opportunities facing the region in terms of trade facilitation.
For this reason, Customs News He asked him three central questions to explore his vision and analyze the impact of the TCI on Latin American and Caribbean countries.
What is the main mission of the Trade and Compliance Institute (TCI) and how does it adapt to the specific challenges facing Latin America in terms of trade facilitation?
— The TCI's mission is to create a secure and trustworthy network in Latin America and the Caribbean, where we can exchange knowledge, information and best practices to facilitate international trade. We also encourage the participation of experts in the development of standards carried out by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).
Latin America faces challenges in terms of trade facilitation like all regions of the world, but it is important to note that the region has made great progress in recent years. Some of the key challenges include:
- Strengthening regional integration and international collaboration: Our goal is to strengthen dialogue among LAC member countries, while keeping up to date with innovations around the world.
- Customs procedures: complex and slow customs procedures would cause delays and increase costs for businesses
- Regulatory:Lack of regulatory harmonization among countries in the region and the use of global standards can hinder trade flow.
- Digital governance: Many countries in the region still face difficulties in integrating their government systems, which hinders the exchange of information and coordination between different agencies.
- Digitization: The digitalization of foreign trade processes can bring several benefits, such as shorter lead times, lower costs and greater transparency. However, the implementation of digital solutions also presents specific challenges in Latin America.
The TCI adapts to the challenges of LAC in terms of trade facilitation through an approach that combines the production of global standards and dialogue with governments. To this end, the TCI adopts several strategies:
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Strengthening regional integration and international collaboration: Our goal is to strengthen dialogue among LAC member countries, while keeping up to date with innovations around the world.
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Empowering the local community: We strengthen the creation of local networks in order to empower the community for international dialogue and the exchange of best practices.
- Technology and Innovation: We promote the use of technological standards to streamline processes and increase efficiency.
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Local regulations: We provide a collaborative platform for people to understand the implications of using global standards.
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Participation in international forums: We seek seats in relevant global trade organisations and forums, disseminating local knowledge and practices.
- Sustainability and corporate social responsibility: We promote sustainable and responsible business practices, in line with global standards.
What specific initiatives does the TCI have planned for 2025, and how could they impact the region?
The TCI constantly encourages the participation of experts in UN/CEFACT and a series of meetings are planned to bring UN/CEFACT activities to LAC, including the set of standards already produced and the way of working.
Based on these initiatives, why do you consider collaboration with the TCI to be essential for trade and sustainability stakeholders in Latin America?
—I believe that collaboration with the TCI is essential for trade and sustainability stakeholders in Latin America because a good standard requires at least two pillars: the first is efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the proposed objectives (value for society) and feasibility of implementation; the second is taking into account the specificities of each country, including its stage of development.
The first pillar is achieved primarily through collaborative discussions at the global level in relevant organizations such as UN/CEFACT. The second pillar requires that all countries are represented in these discussions and through people trained for this dialogue.
In this sense, if people cooperate with their governments, they are able to collaborate for their countries in the relevant international organizations and thus all needs are met.
Much of UN/CEFACT's work is carried out by people in the private sector who act in an ethical and professional manner, so a sense of collaboration and integrity is essential.
In summary, based on what has been discussed, the TCI represents a mutually beneficial partnership for the public and private sectors in our region. Although its work is incipient and there is still much to be done, it is essential to promote the adoption of the recommendations and tools developed by UN/CEFACT, as well as to foster new developments aligned with the current technological and commercial environment. The TCI is ready to face these challenges.
El Wednesday March 19, TCI will hold the first edition of the webinar on UN/CEFACT Standards for Agriculture, Fisheries and Agri-Food.
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- Introduction and overview of UN/CEFACT – Kamola Khusnutdinova (UN/CEFACT Secretariat)
- Min. 41-50: UN/CEFACT Open Development Process (ODP)
- Min. 51-70: Past and future activities in Agriculture, Fisheries and Agri-Food – Erik Bosker (UN/CEFACT Domain Coordinator)
- Min. 71-80: Cooperation with the One-Stop Shop Domain
For information and/or to participate in the webinar, please contact the Regional Rapporteur for Latin America and the Caribbean: [email protected]
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