WCO supports launch of Global NTFC Forum 2022
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has once again joined forces with Annex D+ partner organizations (GATF, ITC, OECD, UNECE, ESCAP, WBG and WTO) to support the 2022 Global Committees Forum National Trade Facilitation Programs (CNFE). The Forum is being held from February 1 to 4, 2022 in virtual mode and led by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It brought together more than 500 participants, about half of whom are members of their CNFE.
During the high-level opening session, panellists agreed on the need to ensure functional, holistic and dynamic NTFCs, with their critical role in trade facilitation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, through collaboration agreements between all the public and private sectors concerned. stakeholders. The adoption of digital tools, the growth of e-commerce and the importance of MSMEs and women traders were also highlighted by the speakers.
In his video address, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the WCO, highlighted the importance of trade facilitation during the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. By simplifying and standardizing border procedures and creating transparent and predictable trading conditions, Customs administrations facilitate legitimate business activities which, in turn, increase economic growth and employment opportunities.
Secretary General Mikuriya mentioned a survey conducted in 2021, where the WCO provided an update on the situation in the field of NTFCs, including the challenges and opportunities observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many CNFEs have suspended their work due to the impossibility of meeting in person. However, in some cases, NTFCs have played an important role in responding to facilitation priorities during the pandemic and have benefited from the sense of urgency generated by the crisis.
Dr. Mikuriya stressed the need to strengthen the partnership between all relevant government authorities to improve border agency cooperation, which is essential in emergency situations. He reiterated the need to foster dialogue and collaboration with the business community and underlined the contribution of the private sector to digitalization, carrying out the studies on unlocking time and advancing economic operator programs. approved (AEO), while taking into account the specific challenges of MSMEs.
The importance of increased diversity and inclusion in trade facilitation reforms, including improving conditions for women traders, was also highlighted. The WCO supports this program through its Gender Equality and Diversity Network, among others.
The WCO reaffirmed its commitment to the TFA program in developing and least-developed country Members through the WCO Mercator Programme.
The NTFC Forum was made possible with the support of Her Majesty Customs & Revenue (HMRC) of the United Kingdom through the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD Trade Facilitation Capacity Building Programme, which brings together the WCO and UNCTAD in a partnership for the implementation of the TFA.
The Secretary-General’s full address can be found here.
