Imagine a world where trade barriers crumble, customs clearance becomes dramatically more efficient, and businesses gain faster access to international markets. The vision for revitalizing global commerce is now accelerating toward reality.
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have joined forces to launch the Global Trade Facilitation Project (GTFP), injecting new momentum into worldwide trade efficiency. This 5.5 million Swiss franc initiative aims to help WCO members and stakeholders—particularly private enterprises—better implement trade facilitation measures to enhance global trade competitiveness.
Strategic Partnership with WCO
SECO, as the Swiss federal government's economic policy authority, selected WCO as its partner through deliberate strategic consideration. WCO holds pivotal influence in global customs affairs, with its standards and norms adopted worldwide. This collaboration allows Switzerland to share its advanced expertise while supporting developing nations' integration into the global economy.
Comprehensive Capacity Building
GTFP represents more than financial investment—it's a multidimensional empowerment program managed by WCO's Brussels secretariat over four years:
- Organizational Development: Enhancing leadership, strategic planning, human resources, partnership networks, and project management capabilities within customs administrations.
- Technical Assistance: Implementing trade facilitation measures like streamlined clearance processes, digital customs systems, and border coordination, plus specialized training programs.
- WCO Institutional Support: Refining performance evaluation frameworks and leadership development initiatives to cultivate next-generation customs professionals.
Initial Beneficiary Nations
Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Uzbekistan will receive prioritized support, with customized solutions addressing their unique trade facilitation challenges. The program remains open to assisting other nations as needed.
Alignment with Sustainable Development
GTFP advances Switzerland's commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda by focusing on developing economies and transition states, particularly those with significant poverty. The project seeks to strengthen trade competitiveness, develop export-oriented value chains, and promote sustainable commerce—benefitting both partner nations and the global economic ecosystem.
The Broader Impact
Beyond procedural simplification, trade facilitation generates far-reaching benefits:
- Reducing commercial transaction costs
- Accelerating supply chain velocities
- Attracting foreign direct investment
- Improving business climate transparency
- Advancing environmentally sustainable trade practices
The official project launch occurred during WCO's 11th Trade Facilitation Working Group meeting on March 4, 2019, with both organizations expressing commitment to long-term collaboration. This partnership marks a significant milestone in building a more open, inclusive global trading system.