WCO and WTO Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Published: 01/27/2026
Trade Facilitation Capacity Building World Customs Organization
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), held an advanced training course in Geneva for chairpersons of National Trade Facilitation Committees from French-speaking countries. The course aimed to enhance their understanding of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and improve their communication and collaboration skills with stakeholders. The curriculum was based on WCO's capacity building materials and introduced key tools such as the Mercator Program. Both organizations will continue their collaboration to organize similar courses for Spanish-speaking countries.
WCO and WTO Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Geneva, Switzerland — The World Customs Organization (WCO) and World Trade Organization (WTO) have announced a collaborative initiative to advance trade facilitation worldwide through an intensive training program for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NCTFs).

The specialized course, scheduled for January 30 to February 10, 2017 at WTO headquarters, will bring together 23 government officials from 20 French-speaking countries and the Secretariat of the Central African Monetary Economic Community.

Strategic Partnership for Trade Modernization

This marks the second such collaboration between the two organizations, following a successful English-language program in late 2016. A Spanish-language iteration is planned for March 2017.

The curriculum focuses on practical implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which aims to streamline international trade procedures by reducing bureaucratic barriers and improving efficiency across border agencies.

Core Program Components

  • In-depth TFA analysis: Comprehensive examination of agreement provisions and implementation strategies
  • Stakeholder engagement: Techniques for effective coordination between government agencies and private sector partners
  • Resource mobilization: Strategies for securing technical and financial support from development partners
  • Performance measurement: Development of actionable plans with measurable outcomes

Key Tools and Frameworks

The program will provide participants with access to several critical trade facilitation instruments:

The Mercator Programme: WCO's flagship capacity-building initiative supporting TFA implementation through technical assistance and best practice sharing.

Revised Kyoto Convention: The international standard for simplified and harmonized customs procedures.

SAFE Framework: Global standards for supply chain security, including Authorized Economic Operator programs.

The training represents a multilateral effort involving several international organizations, including the World Bank Group, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Building Institutional Capacity

NCTFs serve as central coordination bodies for trade facilitation reforms, playing a pivotal role in implementing the WTO TFA at national levels. The program aims to strengthen these committees through peer learning and expert guidance.

Participants will gain practical skills in conducting time-release studies to identify customs clearance bottlenecks and developing targeted improvement strategies.

The initiative reflects growing recognition that efficient trade procedures contribute significantly to economic competitiveness, particularly for developing economies seeking greater integration into global value chains.

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