From January 30 to February 10, 2017, the WTO conducted a specialized French-language training program for chairs of National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs). The event brought together 23 government officials from 20 Francophone countries and the Secretariat of the Central African Monetary Economic Community. This initiative aimed to deepen participants' understanding of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and enhance their ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and donor communities.
Building Capacity Through Collaboration
The training curriculum incorporated WCO's capacity-building materials on stakeholder consultation and resource mobilization. Participants gained familiarity with various institutional partners' programs, tools, and methodologies designed to support TFA implementation. The WCO showcased its Mercator Programme and highlighted key instruments including the revised Kyoto Convention, the SAFE Framework of Standards, and the Time Release Study Guide.
By the program's conclusion, attendees developed measurable, results-oriented action plans to establish or enhance their NTFCs' performance. The WTO coordinated this workshop in partnership with multiple international organizations, including the World Bank Group, World Economic Forum, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Trade Centre (ITC), and International Air Transport Association (IATA). The WCO reported exceptional inter-agency cooperation that effectively achieved the workshop's objectives, demonstrating that coordinated approaches represent the most efficient method for supporting TFA implementation.
The Mercator Programme: A Cornerstone of Trade Facilitation
The WCO's Mercator Programme serves as its flagship capacity-building initiative, assisting members in adopting WTO TFA provisions. This comprehensive program offers technical assistance, training modules, and best practice guidelines to modernize customs procedures, improve border management efficiency, and increase transparency in cross-border trade.
Implemented in 2017, the WTO TFA seeks to accelerate global commerce through simplified and harmonized customs processes and border controls. Its provisions mandate the publication of trade regulations, reduction of documentation requirements, expedited cargo clearance, and enhanced customs cooperation. For developing and least-developed countries particularly, TFA implementation can significantly reduce trade costs, boost export competitiveness, and attract foreign investment.
National Committees as Implementation Drivers
National Trade Facilitation Committees play a pivotal role in TFA execution. These multi-stakeholder bodies comprising government, private sector, and civil society representatives coordinate and oversee TFA implementation at the national level. They help identify trade facilitation priorities, develop action plans, monitor progress, and address implementation challenges.
To strengthen NTFCs, the WCO and WTO have jointly developed practical resources, including guidelines for establishing and managing these committees. Both organizations regularly conduct specialized training for NTFC chairs and members to improve TFA comprehension and implementation strategies.
Ensuring Sustainable Implementation
Effective stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization constitute critical components for sustainable trade facilitation. The WCO provides extensive guidance on identifying relevant stakeholders, organizing consultation processes, and developing financing strategies. These efforts help ensure trade facilitation measures align with national development objectives while securing necessary funding from domestic and international sources.
The revised Kyoto Convention and SAFE Framework of Standards represent two essential WCO instruments promoting secure and efficient trade. The former establishes international standards for simplified and harmonized customs procedures, while the latter outlines security measures for global supply chains through enhanced customs cooperation, risk management, public-private partnerships, and technological solutions.
Measuring Performance for Continuous Improvement
The WCO's Time Release Study Guide offers members a standardized methodology to assess cargo clearance durations, enabling identification of bottlenecks and targeted interventions. By regularly conducting these studies, countries can systematically evaluate and improve their trade facilitation performance.
Following the success of the French-language program and an earlier English version in late 2016, the WCO and WTO plan to deliver a Spanish edition of the training in March 2017. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates both organizations' commitment to supporting members through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives that foster global economic growth and sustainable development.