WCO Trade Facilitation Agreement Working Group and Capacity Building committee conclude historical joint session
Discussions focused on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) that entered into force on 22 February 2017.
The TFA, which seeks to expedite the movement, release and clearance of goods across borders, launched a new phase for trade facilitation reforms all over the world and it will create a significant boost for commerce and the multilateral trading system as a whole. Moreover, once the TFA is fully implemented, developing countries are predicted to increase the number of new products exported by as much as 20 per cent, with least developed countries (LDCs) likely to see an increase of up to 35 per cent, according to a WTO study.
At the entry into force of the TFA, WCO Secretary General Dr Kunio Mikuriya said “the WCO has been, and will continue to be, fully committed to making the TFA a success in practical terms. We will do this by helping our Member Customs administrations who have asked for support in implementing the Agreement’s trade facilitation measures, which will improve economic competitiveness, contribute to economic growth and alleviate poverty.”
The Joint Session of TFAWG and CBC discussed the successes of the WCO Mercator Programme, a dedicated Capacity Building Programme consisting of WCO Instruments and Tools such as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the WCO Time Release Study (TRS) to support Members in the harmonized implementation of the TFA. Delegates especially appreciated the assistance the Programme offered in stakeholder engagement, the establishment of National Committees on Trade Facilitation and the significant role played by WCO Members’ Experts.
The Joint Session also endorsed the Mercator Programme’s future operating modalities and delivery plan to further optimize the technical assistance to Members that requested the WCO for support in implementing the TFA.
Related News
Nearly 7,000 tariff lines of AKFTA product specific rules need to be transposed
15:20 | 29/03/2024 Import-Export
Vietnamese Customs in the eyes of international friends
11:30 | 14/02/2024 Customs
Employing AI, ML in Customs and border management
07:53 | 13/02/2024 World Customs
Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose
11:45 | 29/01/2024 Customs
Latest News
Saudi customs receives global acclaim for two-hour clearance service
07:49 | 05/04/2024 World Customs
Customs create safe environment for all procedures
10:01 | 22/03/2024 World Customs
Hong Kong customs arrests 7 for laundering $1.8 billion
14:51 | 23/02/2024 World Customs
The Republic of Nicaragua accedes to the Revised Kyoto Convention as the 136th Contracting Party
17:44 | 21/02/2024 World Customs
More News
Bulgaria Announces Merger of Customs and Revenue Agencies
17:43 | 21/02/2024 World Customs
Digital technologies in customs control
08:06 | 11/02/2024 World Customs
Customs seize cocaine 'skilfully' disguised as wine
15:29 | 23/01/2024 World Customs
Abu Dhabi Customs Supports Inspection System with Smart Devices that Streamline and Expedite Goods and Passengers Movement in Al Ain Ports
13:41 | 17/01/2024 World Customs
$10.2M in methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in flower shipment seized at Texas-Mexico border
13:57 | 11/01/2024 World Customs
2024 remains challenging for wood sector: experts
15:51 | 02/01/2024 World Customs
Customs Bill 2023 passed in Parliament
15:22 | 09/11/2023 World Customs
China's customs unveils new measures to boost processing trade
15:13 | 08/11/2023 World Customs
WCO organizes second symposium on E-Commerce and Customs Valuation
09:43 | 31/10/2023 World Customs
Your care
Saudi customs receives global acclaim for two-hour clearance service
07:49 | 05/04/2024 World Customs
Customs create safe environment for all procedures
10:01 | 22/03/2024 World Customs
Hong Kong customs arrests 7 for laundering $1.8 billion
14:51 | 23/02/2024 World Customs
The Republic of Nicaragua accedes to the Revised Kyoto Convention as the 136th Contracting Party
17:44 | 21/02/2024 World Customs
Bulgaria Announces Merger of Customs and Revenue Agencies
17:43 | 21/02/2024 World Customs