Advancing Trade Facilitation: Key takeaways from the Dialogue between the WCO Policy Commission and the Private Sector Consultative Group

Mr. Jaime King, Chairperson of the PSCG, presented a comprehensive report highlighting recent activities undertaken by the Group. The report shed light on various initiatives and meetings organized by the private sector to enhance trade efficiency and address emerging challenges.

The Dialogue then turned into an open discussion covering several key topics, starting with the role of public-private collaboration in supporting women entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade, with a particular focus on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. Participants shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of gender-mainstreaming policies and women’s empowerment in the international trade arena.

Another major area of focus was environmental sustainability and the green supply chain. The private sector underlined its role in this, and shared best practices regarding the promotion of environmentally friendly trade operations. The Dialogue also explored opportunities for Customs to contribute to green supply chain initiatives and ways to respond effectively to environmental concerns.

Border compliance and performance measurement were discussed from a private sector perspective, offering valuable insights into improving efficiency and reducing barriers to trade. Delegates stressed the need for standardized compliance practices and robust performance measures to streamline Customs procedures and facilitate cross-border transactions.

The PSCG made a presentation underscoring the importance of ensuring business continuity in the face of disruptions to trade. The private sector's interpretation of trade facilitation and its significance for the WCO PSCG were also explained.

In addition to the core Agenda items, participants had an opportunity to discuss other relevant business matters and were informed of the composition of the PSCG for the upcoming year (2023/2024), designed to ensure a balanced representation from diverse sectors and different regions.

The Dialogue session concluded with some closing remarks by WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, who expressed his appreciation of the active participation by attendees, as well as their insightful contributions. The PSCG Chairperson seized the opportunity to express his thanks to Dr. Mikuriya as the outgoing Secretary General, acknowledging his significant contribution to the dialogue with the private sector and his dedication to international trade over the years.

The WCO PC-PSCG Dialogue session proved to be a valuable platform for engaging in meaningful discussions on crucial trade-related issues. The session facilitated collaboration between the public and private sectors, with the aim of enhancing trade facilitation, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring business continuity in an ever-evolving global landscape.