Imagine the substantial losses import-export businesses suffer when goods remain stranded at ports. In international trade, time equates to money, and efficiency serves as the lifeline. To help Bangladesh Customs optimize cargo release processes and enhance trade efficiency, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) jointly launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). In February 2021, they initiated a specialized assistance plan for Bangladesh, with recent strategic dialogues focusing on Time Release Study (TRS) improvements.
Swiss Support Bolsters Bangladesh's Trade Facilitation
From February 22-23, 2021, GTFP commenced its first assistance phase for Bangladesh—a short-term program tailored to the country's specific trade facilitation needs, particularly emphasizing TRS capacity building. During virtual strategic discussions, the Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh reaffirmed its steadfast support and cooperation, highlighting SECO's long-term commitment to the nation.
Building on Past Efforts to Address Clearance Bottlenecks
These strategic dialogues represent significant follow-up to WCO's "MY Mercator" diagnostic mission from August 2016. Senior Bangladesh Customs officials joined WCO experts to review TRS implementation experiences, identifying critical obstacles hindering efficiency gains.
Developing Action Plans for Sustainable Improvement
Participants agreed that establishing a comprehensive TRS work plan remains essential for ensuring sustainable cargo release timelines and strengthening Bangladesh Customs' autonomous capabilities. This roadmap will guide subsequent TRS initiatives and provide clear direction for future enhancements.
GTFP: Advancing Global Trade Efficiency
The Global Trade Facilitation Programme—a collaborative initiative between WCO and SECO—seeks to improve trade facilitation worldwide through capacity building and technical assistance. The program addresses multiple customs management aspects including risk management, information technology, and intellectual property protection, working toward efficient, transparent, and secure international trade environments.
Key Discussion Topics
Strategic dialogues centered on several critical areas:
- Progress Assessment: Thorough analysis of Bangladesh's TRS achievements and challenges to inform future improvements.
- Problem Identification: Pinpointing efficiency barriers through data analysis, process mapping, and field research.
- International Benchmarking: Adapting global best practices in electronic declarations, risk management, and interagency coordination.
- Solution Development: Creating practical measures to streamline documentation, enhance IT systems, and strengthen staff training.
- Capacity Building: WCO will provide technical support through training programs, expert guidance, and equipment.
- Performance Monitoring: Establishing evaluation mechanisms to track implementation effectiveness.
Action Plan Framework
The strategic dialogue yielded a detailed TRS work plan containing:
- Specific targets and quantifiable metrics for clearance time reduction
- Priority tasks focusing on process simplification and technology upgrades
- Detailed implementation schedules with assigned responsibilities
- Cross-agency coordination protocols
- Customs personnel training programs
- Advanced technology integration plans
- International cooperation strategies
Expected Outcomes
Implementation is projected to deliver:
- Significantly reduced cargo clearance durations
- Enhanced overall trade efficiency
- Improved business climate attracting foreign investment
- Strengthened customs administration capabilities
Moving forward, GTFP will collaborate closely with Bangladesh Customs to execute the TRS work plan, providing technical assistance to ensure sustained efficiency gains that support national economic development.