Seaborne trade must continue to flow to maintain the ongoing supply of essential goods, including vital medical supplies, during the unprecedented global situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the message from a Joint statement by the heads of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), issued this Friday (17.04.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX).
El IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and WCO Secretary-General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, They strongly urged customs administrations and port State authorities, together with all other agencies concerned, to establish a coordinated and proactive approach to maintain the integrity of the global supply chain so that the flow of vital goods by sea is not unnecessarily disrupted.
The joint statement notes that ports are being closed and ships have been denied entry as travel is curtailed and borders are closed to curb the spread of the disease and mitigate its impacts. Such restrictions, it says, risk disrupting much-needed aid and technical support, and having negative social and economic effects on the countries concerned.
It is critical that customs administrations and port state authorities continue to facilitate the cross-border movement of vital medical supplies and equipment, critical agricultural products and other goods, to help minimize the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economies and societies, the joint statement says.
The two organizations emphasized the extreme importance of communication, coordination and cooperation at both national and local levels., between ships, port facilities, customs administrations and other relevant authorities. Customs and port administrations are urged to work together to resolve disruptions in the global supply chain, to support the health and well-being of all people.
The joint statement also referred to recommendations and guidance already issued by the two organisations. In particular, IMO has circulated a series of recommendations for governments and relevant national authorities, proposed by a broad cross-section of global industry associations representing the shipping sector, including a specific call for governments to designate professional seafarers and marine personnel, regardless of nationality, as ‘key workers’ providing an essential service.
The joint statement comes as demand and movement of relief goods (such as supplies, medicines and medical equipment) across borders increases dramatically.
The full text of the joint statement can be read below:
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