  
  
G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
14 September  2023 
(23-6120) Page: 1/23 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  English  
 
  
REPORT BY  THE ITC AND  THE ANNEX D PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS   
TO THE  TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE  
3-5 October  2023 
FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ................................ . 3 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (ITC)  ................................ ................................ ............  5 
ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO -OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  ................  8 
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)  ...................  10 
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (UNECE)  ...............................  15 
WORLD BANK GROUP (WBG)  ................................ ................................ .........................  18 
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION (WCO)  ................................ ................................ ..... 21 
  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
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  FOREWORD  
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) was created to help WTO developing and least 
developed country Members find the support they need to implement the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA). One of the ways that the TFAF fulfils this role is b y providing information on the 
TFA implementation support programs offered by partner organizations, the so -called "Annex D" 
organizations. This document, coordinated by the TFAF, provides updates on the TFA implementation 
support activities that are being  carried out by partner organizations. It is also available on the TFAF 
website.  
  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is  a public -private partnership for trade -led growth. 
Its mandate is to assist governments in developing and least developed countries implement the 
World Trade Organization 's Trade Facilitation Agreement. It does so by bringing together 
governments and busi nesses as equal partners to identify opportunities to address unnecessary red 
tape and delays at borders and design and deploy targeted reforms that deliver commercially 
quantifiable results.  
1.2.  Alliance projects help to create an environment where businesses  can trade more easily, with 
predictable procedures, streamlined regulations, and modern automation. The resulting increase in 
trade and investment is expected to unlock inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.  
1.3.  The Alliance is led by the Center fo r International Private Enterprise, the International Chamber 
of Commerce and the World Economic Forum, in cooperation with Gesellschaft für Internationale 
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It is funded by the governments of the United States, Canada,  and 
Germany.   
1.4.  The Alliance is currently implementing 17 projects in developing and least developed countries  
and has completed an additional 16 . These projects support countries in implement ing the TFA 
through an approach built upon three  pillars:  
- Fostering Public pri vate partnerships  by bringing governments and businesses 
together as equal partners in tackling trade barriers, using a wide range of platforms to 
help all sides better appreciate each other 's perspectives, identify the root causes of 
trade problems, and m ap out ways to collaboratively resolve them.  
- Delivering impacts  that translate the trust and confidence of public -private 
partnership into trade facilitation reforms in support of commitments to implement the 
TFA. Projects are co -created and co -implement ed by government and business, 
delivering tangible quantitative impacts for both sectors.  
- Measuring impacts  of trade facilitation interventions by showing how projects cut the 
time and costs associated with trade  for both business and government .  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
Ongoing projects, methods of delivery and milestones  
2.1.  In line with the above -mentioned pillars, Alliance projects are developed using three methods:  
(a) co-creation, (b) business action and (c) upscaling. Co -creation projects are collaborative projects 
developed  from the ground up  between public and private sectors; business action projects are 
highly targeted  and driven by the knowhow of Alliance global B usiness Partners; and upscaling refers 
to projects where expertise gained through successful project delivery is used to make a similar 
intervention in another country.  
2.2.  Over 50% of funds allocated to Alliance projects are fu lly dedicated to the task of digitalising 
processes. The Alliance conducts business process analysis and then works with government 
agencies and private sector to implement appropriate digitalisation tools for the purpose of 
facilitating trade; this in cludes the interfacing of controlling agencies to local Single Window systems , 
implementing risk management solutions, digitizing specific certificates which are currently paper -
based and automating the process of managing Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) st atus. 
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  2.3.  Over 40% of projects delivered by the Alliance relate to  the Agri -food sector, and often in 
relation to the  introduction of electronic phytosanitary certificates (e -phyto) . The remaining projects 
concern the health and healthcare, transport and logis tics and automotive industries.  
2.4.  The Alliance is currently actively implementing projects in the following countries: 
Bangladesh , Cambodia , Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala , Indonesia, Jordan,  Malawi,  
Nigeria , Togo, Tunisia , Ukraine,  Uganda , Viet Nam  and Zambia.   
Business Partnerships  
2.5.  The Alliance works with  many global  businesses from a wide range of sectors to implement 
targeted and measurable projects. This year, the Alliance welcomed H&M and IKEA as new business 
partners bringing the number to 43.  
2.6.  To date, over 400 local chambers of commerce & business associations, and over 700  local 
MSMEs, have participated in the Alliance 's work on the ground.  
Events  
2.7.  On 20 –21 September, a lmost 700 participants in over 100 countries participated in  the 
Trade  Facilitation Innovation Days 2022  jointly organized by UNCTAD and the Alliance.  The two-day 
online event  provided a platform for the cross -fertilization of ideas from trade facilitation experts, 
government officials, border agents, logisticians, academics, and other specialists.  The event 
enabled an interactive, solution -based, approach t o tackling some of the unresolved lingering 
challenges still being faced by the trading community in many parts of the world.   
2.8.  The second edition will be held on 19 -20 September and will address the following themes : 
Trade Technology, Supply Chain, E -comme rce, Risk Management, and Climate Smart Trade 
Facilitation.  More information is available here. 
Recognition/ Award  
2.9.  In recognition of its work, the Alliance was nominated as  one of the five finalists for the 
P3 Impact Award  which honours leading public -private partnerships (P3s) that improve communities 
and the world. The P3 Award is granted by Concordia, the University of Virginia Darden School 
Institute for Business in Society, and the U.S. Department of State 's Office of Glo bal Partnerships.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  To request assistance or partner with us as a government, business, or international 
organization, please contact us at: mariam.soumare@weforum.org   
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
- Alliance projects   
- Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation Annual Report 2022  
- Least Developed Countries Report 2022   G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (ITC)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR OR GANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) offers a comprehensive range of trade facilitation services 
to its beneficiaries towards implementation of the TFA, factoring in the business perspective and 
with continuous engagement and cooperation between stakeholders at its core.  
1.2.  ITC provides support to public and private trade actors, including National Trade Facilitation 
Committees (NTFCs), to implement a wide range of TFA obligations, strengthening WTO Members' 
national preparedness to operationalize the measures of the Agreemen t, and thus meet  their WTO 
commitments.  It does so by reviewing or supporting the establishment of the national legal 
framework enabling the implementation of the TFA measures, and by providing support to practically 
operationalize the measure s with privat e sector's involvement in the overall process.  
1.3.  ITC also assists beneficiary countries to request financial and technical assistance to achieve 
implementation of Category C commitments.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES  
2.1.  With technical assistance delivered in more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the 
Middle East, ITC is keeping the momentum high for trade facilitation reforms, providing tailored 
advisory services and practical support f or the implementation of TFA measures. Transparency, 
simplification and digitalization of border procedures are at the core of ITC assistance, advanced 
through an inclusive and consultative approach, and amplified as a response to COVID -19 
disruptions.  
Building national dialogue and capacity to understand, implement and monitor the 
implementation of the TFA  
 
2.2.  ITC is supporting public and private stakeholders worldwide to build their capacity to 
understand TFA requirements and their ensuing benefits, priorit ize and sequence successfully for 
their implementation, and establish or strengthen National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) 
to stir the design, operationalization and monitoring of trade facilitation reforms.  
2.3.  In Nepal, ITC has supported the review of Category C commitments to identify needs and 
requirements for technical assistance and notify indicative dates for their implementation to the 
WTO. In Jordan, ITC is supporting stakeholders to review and refine the implementation modalities 
of Category A commitments, whereas in Iraq and Uzbekistan, ITC is conducting a review of the 
national compliance with TFA requirements in preparation for accession to the WTO.  
2.4.  ITC is also supporting  NTFCs – at all stages of maturity – to set up or strengthen  their 
institutional set-up, operations and network (Article 23.2). ITC is  assisting Uzbekistan and Iraq to 
establish their NTFC, Nepal to build the entire NTFC governance mechanism, procedural framework 
and strategy, Pakistan to revitalize its NTFC's operations and  Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso and the 
Philippines to strengthen their NTFC's performance and practices.  
2.5.  With a view to deepen regional integration, ITC is also fostering dialogue and capacity -building 
on regional approaches to TFA implementation in the East Af rican Community (EAC), supporting 
policymakers and stakeholders to harmonize trade facilitation reforms and targets at the regional 
economic community (REC) level (Article 24.5).  
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  Supporting the implementation of transparency measures of the TFA  
 
2.6.  ITC is aug menting its support to  establish or enhance Trade Facilitation Portals (TFPs) in 
beneficiary countries , in collaboration with UNCTAD, w ith a view to boost implementation of the 
transparency measures (Article 1.1 and 1.2) enshrin ed in the TFA.  TFPs are a di gital solution serving 
as a one -stop-shop providing up -to-date information on export, import and transit  procedures  and 
formalities  in an easily accessible manner.  
2.7.  Recently, ITC has successfully supported the implementation and launch of TFPs in 
Turkmenis tan and Pakistan, as well as of the Central Asia Gateway which consolidates the 
information of all national portals set up in the Central Asian region with nearly 280 trade flows 
mapped of the most traded goods in the region. ITC is also supporting Jordan,  the Kyrgyz Republic, 
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka to 
update and enhance their TFP's features and to conduct procedural simplification work using the 
TFPs' data and information. In Tajikistan, I TC has introduced the publication of the commentary to 
the Customs code (Article  1.1). In Jordan, ITC has set up a dedicated chatbot on the TFP to reply to 
users ' queries in real time.  
Supporting the implementation of efficiency measures of the TFA  
 
2.8.  In an effort to make customs procedures more efficient and predictable, ITC is providing 
technical assistance to establish or review the national legal and regulatory framework to implement 
selected TFA measures. In Jordan, ITC has been supporting policymakers to develop and 
operationalize the legal and regulatory framework to issue advance rulings (Article 3) and piloted its 
implementation with the private sector. ITC has also supported Taji kistan's Customs administration 
to introduce provisions in the Customs code allowing companies, which meet pre -defined criteria , to 
apply for the  authorized operator  (AO) status  and benefit from several facilitative measures, as 
stipulated in Article 7.7. Similar support is being provided to Nepal to set up its authorized business 
person (AEO) programme through legal/regulatory drafting assistance, development of standard 
operating procedures (SOPs), capacity -building to Customs staff and awareness -raising to supply 
chain operators. In the Philippines, ITC is working to enhance the existing AEO scheme as well as to 
introduce simplified e -commerce clearance procedures. ITC is also supporting border agencies in 
Jordan to implement a consultation mechanism as s tipulated in Article 2.2, as well as a mechanism 
for review and appeal (Article 4).  
2.9.  Complementarily, ITC is strengthening mechanisms for border agency cooperation (Article 8) 
to apply more efficient con trols and streamlined procedures. In Pakistan, ITC is developing a 
framework methodology for border agency cooperation at Customs border stations. In Jordan, ITC 
is building consensus and implementing a roadmap for integrated risk management (Article 7.4) to 
unify risk management operations under the umbrella  of Customs. At the same time, ITC is reviewing 
the current pre -arrival processing mechanism (Article 7.1) in this country to enhance its use among 
supply chain operators and is also upgrading the frameworks for the acceptance of copies 
(Article  10.2). In Guinea, ITC is providing support on integrated risk management and border agency 
cooperation with Sierra Leone and Liberia to expedite the movement of goods while protecting 
security, health and the environment.  
2.10.  ITC is also supporting the simplification a nd digitalization of border procedure and trade 
formalities. Using TFPs tools  through  national and regional partnerships, ITC is building capacity to 
harmonize and simplify trade formalities  in the spirit of Article 10.1 of the TFA, such as in Sri Lanka, 
Tajikistan, Kazakhstan , Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Tanzania .  
2.11.  ITC is also working in Sri Lanka to fully digitalize the issuance of certificates of origin, to 
establish three (3) electronic payment gateways, as well as to digitalize the registration pro cedures 
of trade stakeholders with a view to curb unnecessary delays and costs for micro, small and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs). Similarly, ITC is supporting Egypt to automate the certificate of origin's 
procedures.  
2.12.  ITC is also working with Customs adminis trations in Central Asia to support gender -responsive 
trade facilitation reforms, in particular through trainings of border officials and women traders. These 
trainings allow trade policymakers, Customs officers and border officials to understand why 
facilitating trade for women is important, while highlighting constraints that women face when 
engaging in international trade.  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
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  Enhancing business capacity to benefit from TFA and strengthening compliance with 
international trade procedures  
 
2.13.  ITC directly assists businesses, in particular MSMEs and small -scale cross -border traders 
(SSCBTs), to enhance their regulatory compliance with trade formalities and procedures and ensure 
that they can benefit from a meaningful implementation of the TFA – including through e -learning 
courses on the TFA, on -site coaching and advocacy support. In West Africa, ITC is partnering with 
local cross -border trade associations to design and implement Trade Information Desks at key border 
posts to help SSCBTs formaliz e and comply with trade regulations.  
2.14.  ITC is delivering on -the-job coaching  and advisory services to M SMEs  and SSCBTs  to improve 
their compliance level with cross -border  management requirements and cut the time and cost of 
doing business. ITC is working in  five Central Asia countries, Philippines and Myanmar to deliver its 
Export Management Coaching Initiative (EMCI) targeting over 300 exporting MSMEs.  
2.15.  ITC is also strengthened private sector and trade -support institutions (TSIs)' capacity to 
advocate for ef fective policy and sectoral trade facilitation reforms at the national and regional level, 
notably in the EAC region, as well as their representation in the NTFC to cater for businesses' needs 
in the reform process.    
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  ITC is delivering its technical assistance on TFA implementation in the context of multi -annual 
trade-related projects that are being implemented in specific countries and regions. The portfolio of 
trade facilitation services provided to beneficiary clients is he nce pre -determined under the 
framework of these country -specific or region -specific trade facilitation technical assistance 
programmes. Nonetheless, with the support of additional funding, ITC can further assist clients to 
capitalize on the implementation of the TFA.  
Your contact point s at ITC  
 
3.2.  Interested WTO Members  and development partners  may contact  Mohammad Saeed, Chief, 
Trade Facilitation and Policy for Business, at saeed@intracen.org , +41 22 730 01 26 and 
Pierre  Bonthonneau, Senior Trade Facilitation Adviser. at bonthonneau@intracen.org , 
+41 22 730 01 19  to receive further information on ITC's trade facilitation portfolio of services and 
technical assistance.  
  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
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ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO -OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR O RGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD) is an international 
organization working to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well -being of 
people around  the world. The OECD provides a knowledge hub for data and analysis and a unique 
forum in which governments can work together to share experiences, best practices and seek 
solutions to common problems.  
1.2.  To help governments improve their border procedures, r educe trade costs, boost trade flows 
and reap greater benefits from international trade, the OECD has developed a set of Trade 
Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) that identify areas for action and enable the potential impact of trade 
facilitation reforms to be  assessed: https://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/trade -facilitation/ . The OECD 
TFIs are strongly linked to the policy areas covered by the WTO Trade Facilita tion Agreement. The 
indicators thus cover the full spectrum of border procedures for more than 160 economies across 
different income levels, geographical regions, and levels of development. Each TFI is composed of 
several specific, precise and fact -based v ariables on existing trade -related policies and regulations 
and their implementation in practice. The OECD TFIs allow countries to identify their strengths and 
weaknesses in trade facilitation, prioritize areas for action, and mobilize technical assistance  and 
capacity building in a more targeted way. The TFIs not only measure the actual extent to which 
countries have introduced and implemented trade facilitation measures in absolute terms, but also 
their performance relative to others, using a series of qu antitative measures on key areas of the 
border process.  
1.3.  The TFIs have been used for a wide range of empirical analyses, assessing among others the 
impacts of trade facilitation reforms on trade costs, trade flows in various goods sectors (e.g. 
agro-food, p harmaceutical and chemicals, machinery and other manufacturing goods), trade in small 
parcels, and participation of MSMEs in international trade as exporters and importers.  
1.4.  Donor support (i.e. ODA and OOF) for trade facilitation programmes are recorded in the OECD 
Creditor Reporting System (CRS) under the heading 'trade facilitation': 
https://stats.oecd.org/qwids/ . 
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES  (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
OECD TFIs 2022 series and 2023 -24 update cycle  
2.1.  The data underpinning the OECD TFIs are updated every biennium. Information for 2022 was 
made available through the TFIs online visualization tools. The TFIs allow economies to track  their 
progress since 2013, when the project was launched, as well as to assess key challenges. The data 
collection process for the 2024 series will be initiated in Q4 2023.  
2.2.  The 2022 update is accompanied by a policy brief focusing on the policy areas that  improved 
the most since 2019 and top reformers across all regions covered, as well as key challenges ahead 
for trade facilitation reforms. This is complemented by a policy paper with a special focus on 
international co -operation through mechanisms of bord er agency co -operation, also covering 
relevant developments during the COVID -19 pandemic. The analysis highlights there is scope to 
build on COVID -19 inter -agency co -operation structures to enhance crises responsiveness and 
resilience, as well as internati onal co -operation more broadly.  
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  OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) visualization tools  
2.3.  The OECD TFIs data can be accessed through the Compare your Country tool, which allows to 
explore the performance of various countries or groups of countries as well as to visualize worldwide 
progress across specific trade facilitation areas. The Policy Simulator tool allows to discover the key 
measures driving the performance of a selected country in a specific indicator and simulate the 
effects of p otential policy reforms on the overall performance.  
Impacts of trade facilitation policies on trade costs and trade flows  
2.4.  Drawing on the OECD TFIs, recent work assess es what have been the impacts so far on 
enhancing trade from trade facilitation improvements over the past decade and what are the 
expected benefits from further reforms. The work also identifies w hat specific further areas of reform 
can help close that gap.  Focus is given to the investigation of: policies making trade -related 
information available and promoting closer consultation with supply chain participants; policies for 
streamlining border processes; and policies promoting greater  cross-border coordinat ion between 
agencies 
(https://www.tfadatabase.org/en/uploads/thematicdiscussiondocument/oecd_wto_tfc_march_202
3_oecd_silvia_sore scu.pdf ). 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Any enquiries regarding the OECD work on trade facilitation and the OECD Trade Facilitation 
Indicators can be directed to: Ms. Silvia Sorescu, Trade Policy Division, Trade and Agricult ure 
Directorate ( silvia.sorescu@oecd.org ). 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators visualization tools: Compare your Country 
https://www.compareyourcountry.org/trade -facilitation  and Policy Simulator  
https://sim.oe cd.org/default.ashx?ds=TFI . More information on the TFIs and the trade facilitation 
work: https://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/trade -facilitation/ . 
4.2.  OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators: Monitoring reforms up to 2023 , Policy brief, 
https://issuu.com/oecd.publishing/docs/oecd -trade -facilitat ion-update -2023 . Trade facilitation 
reforms worldwide: State of play in 2022  (https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/trade/trade -facilitation -
reforms -worldwide_ce7af2ce -en) assesses, through the lens of the upd ated OECD TFIs, progress 
and challenges in trade facilitation reforms, including as these relate to the implementation of the 
WTO TFA.  
4.3.  Of bytes and trade: Quantifying the impact of digitalisation on trade  
(https://doi.org/10.1787/11889f2a -en) looks at the impact of digital connectivity in reducing trade 
costs and enhancing trade flows across a wide range of sectors and economies at all levels of 
development.  
4.4.  OECD/WTO Aid f or Trade at a Glance 2022: Empowering Connected, Sustainable Trade   
(https://doi.org/10.1787/9ce2b7ba -en) highlights the role of Aid for Trade in fighting the COVID -19 
pandemic and building economic resilience, including in the area of trade facilitation. The report also 
explores how Aid for Trade can support different economic actors (including women) realise 
opportunities linked to digital connectivity and sustainability.  
4.5.  Trade in the time of parcels  (https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/trade/trade -in-the-time-of-
parcels_0faac348 -en) shows that progress o n digital connectivity and trade facilitation measures, 
such as increased transparency or automating border processes, are likely to have a greater trade -
enhancing impact on small parcels trade than on "traditional" trade.  
4.6.  Trade facilitation in perishable agro-food products: A feasibility study for addressing at -the-
border challenges  (https://www.oecd.org/publications/trade -facilitation -in-perishable -agro-food-
products -a2995a7a -en.htm) provides a feasibility assessment that analyses how a new sub -set of 
OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) could be used for a more complete picture of the current 
performance of border processes for perishable agro -food goods.   G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
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UNITED NATIONS CONF ERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  UNCTAD provides a broad range of technical assistance and capacity building activities  
in the field of trade facilitation, includ ing a) Elaboration of trade facilitation road maps, 
implementation plans and needs assessments, b) assistance with the ratification, categorization and 
notification of WTO TFA obligations; c) Development of project proposals and plans; and d) Advisory 
services in all fields of trade, transit and transport facilitation reforms.  
1.2.  UNCTAD Empowerment Program . UNCTAD de livers targeted and specialized training and 
support on trade facilitation, including to national trade facilitation committees through the UNCTAD 
Empowerment Program, comprising monitoring and evaluation support of trade facilitation 
initiatives; in-perso n and online capacity -building and technical assistance on trade facilitation 
reforms; as well as assistance with the implementation of trade facilitation measures. UNCTAD has 
developed a dedicated e -Learning platform providing  specialized training module s on trade 
facilitation. New specialized courses on emerging topics such as climate -smart trade facilitation and 
the use of blockchain technology for the implementation of trade facilitation reforms have and are 
being developed and delivered.  
1.3.  E-Coaching modules for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs).  UNCTAD has 
developed a new series of e -Coaching modules assisting national committees  on their operations 
and aiming at improving the soft skills of NTFC members and trade facilitation practitioners. The 
modules verse around topics such as effective communication, monitoring and evaluation, resource 
mobilization, how to draft a trade facil itation roadmap, among others.  
1.4.  Reform Tracker . In 2021 UNCTAD launched a web -based project management and 
monitoring tool for implementation of trade facilitation reforms, the so -called Reform Tracker . In the 
past year, the tool was set up in new countries and new f eatures were created to respond to the 
needs of NTFCs. The tool is presently being implemented in more than 26 countries  with others 
scheduled to join in 2024 . Included in the Reform Tracker is the UNCTAD Implementation Score 
of the TFA  which is a methodol ogy designed by UNCTAD to calculate a country 's implementation 
rate of the WTO TFA. Also included is assistance in the development of the National Trade Facilitation 
Roadmap.  
1.5.  Online Course on How to use the Reform Tracker . To accompany the delivery of the 
Reform Tracker to the country, an online course on how to use the tool is developed. It is available 
in 5 languages, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mongolian. All in all, the course was 
successfully completed by over 400 participants.  Interested  countries can approach UNCTAD for 
support to roll -out this program, which is constantly working on new courses.  
1.6.  Training on Transit and Transit co ordinators . UNCTAD provides a specialized training on 
transit collaboration and transit coordinators toward the implementation of WTO TFA Articles 11.16 
and 17 . The training is predominantly provided on regional or sub -regional basis to appointed or 
designated transit coordinators. Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out 
this program me.  
1.7.  UN Trade Information Portal.  UNCTAD pro vides support in the field of transparency and 
simplification through the dedicated UN Trade Information Portal  initiative with a view to fulfi l the 
obligations of TFA Art.  1.2. 
1.8.  In 2023, UNCTAD launched a campaign of update of its  global database on NTFCs . The 
database deploys NTFC cases of over 130 countries. More than 30 countries provided updates this 
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  year. Countries are encouraged to update information about their NTFCs or add infor mation about 
their NTFCs in cases where this is missing.  Starting this year, each country profile in the WTO 
TFA Database is linked to the UNCTAD database on NTFCs.   
1.9.  Included in the database is the UNCTAD Sustainability Score for NTFCs , designed and 
launch ed by UNCTAD which aims to evaluate the NTFCs capacity to be operational in the long term. 
The sustainability score is available for 134 countries on the NTFCs database and is comparable at 
global, regional and national levels.  
1.10.  UNCTAD offers extensive assistance world -wide in the field of Customs and trade 
automation  through the  Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA)  program. UNCTAD 
also support the implementation of Single Window solutions, including legal assessments and 
creating the necessary legal frameworks.  
1.11.  UNCTAD also provides the TRAINFORTRADE programm e, which is a leading programme 
for training and capacity building in international trade and development. Using a blended learning 
method, the programme delivers training to the beneficiary countries in e -commerce, port  
management and trade statistics.  
1.12.  Please visit the UNCTAD Trade Logistics , Trade Facilitation , ASYCUDA , Trade Information 
Portals,  and TRAINFORTRADE  web sites as indicated below.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  Under the UNCTAD Empowerment Programme, UNCTAD launched and finalized this 2023 the 
e-Learning cou rse for National Trade Facilitation Committees in 6 countries in the Pacific 
Islands – Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu - and also 
in Maldives. Also finalized this year is the e -learning course for 6 countries in t he Organisation of 
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, St. Kitts and Nevis, 
St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines  and for the 15 countries in the Economic Community 
of West African States (ECOWAS) region.  
2.2.  All UNCTAD online courses are available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and, in 2023, 
an Arabic version will be available as well.  
2.3.  UNCTAD has developed and delivered an intensive executive training for secretariats and 
chairpersons of  NTFCs . This will  be delivered this November 2023 to Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras, 
and Peru in Lima, Peru.  
2.4.  UNCTAD has made available online their training on Transit collaboration and transit 
coordinators  in a regional or subregional basis.  
2.5.  UNCTAD has launched a new online tool to support countries with the documenting 
and simplification of procedures and is helping several countries in the fulfilment of the 
obligations of TFA Art. 10.1 . This include also online and e -coaching training.  
2.6.  UNCTAD together with the UN Regional C ommissions delivered and launched the fifth  UN Global 
Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation  results in July 2023 . This September, the Digital 
and Sustainable Trade Facilitation Global Report  2023  which offers an in -depth and 
comparative analysis of the implementation of 60 trade facilitation measures in over 140 countries 
worldwide will be released. It will also cover implementation of  cutting -edge paperless and cross -
border trade facilitation measures and those supporting mor e inclusive and sustainable trade. Th is 
report  provides insights into the impact of trade facilitation measures on trade costs and highlights 
good practices around the world.  
2.7.  UNCTAD, together with Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, organized the Trade  Facilitation 
Innovation Days  for 19 -20 September 2023. This is an online -two day event on the role of 
innovation in facilitating trade covering five topics: trade technology, supply chains, risk 
management, e -commerce and climate -smart trade facilitation.  The event comprises discussion 
sessions but also pitching by innovators promoting and presenting their work.   G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 12 - 
  2.8.  UNCTAD is organizing two regional workshops on How Trade Facilitation can contribute 
to  regional integration  for ECOWAS countries in 2023.  
2.9.  Climate-smart Trade Facilitation. UNCTAD is developing a strategy to reduce carbon 
emissions generated in the trade facilitation ecosystem by implementing an environment -friendly 
approach based on digitalization and simplification of trade procedures. In partn ership with ESCAP, 
a calculator is being developed to convert the reduction in time, costs and carbon -based activities 
in the savings of CO2 emissions.  
2.10.  UNCTAD and the Government of Barbados are organizing the Global Supply Chain Forum 
in Bridgetown , 21-24 May 2024. An International Forum for NTFCs will be part of this event.  
2.11.  The UN Trade Information Portals  are currently being implemented in 30 countries (2 7 
are already operational) and will soon be implemented in 5 more countries. This includes 6 
programm es, aiming to help governments to simplify and automate its administrative procedures.  
Included is a project financed by TradeMark Africa to provide additional support to enhance Kenya, 
Tanzania and Uganda Trade Information Portals. The project will also i nclude strengthening of the 
TIPs' associated tools - Reform Tracker, Simplification Dashboard, and Administrative Burden Cost 
Module - and ensure they are applied systematically for effectively facilitating, monitoring, and 
measuring trade facilitation ref orms.  
2.12.  TRAINFORTRADE  launched a new project on blended learning strategy to boost the 
digital economy in Small Island Developing States of Africa, the Caribbean and Asia and 
the Pacific.  The project aims to strengthen the capacities of Small Island Developi ng States (SIDS) 
to adopt trade policies that foster digital economy development and enhance crisis responsiveness.  
2.13.  In general, the UNCTAD ASYCUDA program for Customs and Trade Automation  
provides a host of automation options in relation to implementation  of Customs and trade facilitation, 
also including Single Window solutions. Its systems that include ASYCUDAWorld, Single Window, 
ASYHUB, ASYPM, ASYREC and eCITES, are running or being implemented in more than 100 countries 
and territories. ASYCUDA 's assis tance also includes compliance with WTO 's TFA. Legal revisions are 
being undertaken in each country in the region to align with WTO trade facilitation priority measures.  
2.14.  ASYCUDA plans to publish an annual report that focuses on the efforts of the Programme  and 
the solutions developed that contribute to green sustainable development and protect the 
environment. It will also describe progress of activities in user -countries. Publication is expected 
during Q4 2023.  
2.15.  ASYCUDA published a report "The ASYCUDA Journey in West Africa: Facilitating Cross -
Border Transit Trade " that describes the various stages that enabled the implementation of a 
regional transit management system in ECOWAS.  
2.16.  UNCTAD 's ASYCUDA and WCO expanded their decade -long cooperation through the signature 
of a new MoU to establish a high -level consultation framework between both parties. The agreement 
aims to boost customs modernization by enabling interoperability between UNCTAD 's 
ASYCUDA Programme and various WCO projects , with the intention of increasing customs data 
quality and accuracy for both UNCTAD and WCO member States.  
2.17.  ASYCUDA developed an enhanced version of eCITES  called eCITES v2,  and was implemented 
in Mozambique early 2023. eCITES is a cloud -based electronic permit system offering automated 
support for permit  application, processing, issuance and reporting for the international trade of 
endangered species of fauna and flora.  
2.18.  ASYHUB  is an open, standardized, platform developed for the processing and integration of 
data between ASYCUDAWorld and other external systems. The platform is designed to be 
cloud -native, using micro service -centered principles. It will be piloted by Cambodia in Q4 2023, 
while Sri Lanka should follow at a later stage. In 2023, a technical cooperation project was signed 
with Vene zuela to install and implement ASYHUB.   
2.19.  ASYREC,  developed in cooperation with OCHA, facilitates and expedites the processing of 
international relief during humanitarian crisis, natural disasters, and complex emergencies such as G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 13 - 
  the COVID -19 pandemic. The s ystem was installed and fine -tuned in Vanuatu and is expected to be 
launched during Q4 2023.   
2.20.  ASYCUDA, in cooperation with the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and ITC, developed 
ASYATO , a tool that extracts trade data from the ASYCUDA system for customs to  provide data to 
the African Trade Observatory. ASYATO is currently running in Cabo Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, 
Seychelles, Uganda and Zambia. Liberia and Namibia are currently implementing the solution with 
an expected launch in Q4 2023.  
2.21.  ASYCUDA developed  the ASYCUDA Automatic Data Notification Tool (ASYADN).  It 
consists of a software module that facilitates the compilation of trade statistics via the extraction of 
recurring trade data for the WTO 's Integrated Database (IDB). The solution was successfully 
launched in Cote d 'Ivoire and Madagascar in 2021.   
2.22.  The Automated System for Performance Measurement (ASYPM) , developed in 2014 in 
cooperation with WCO, detects inefficient customs management processes with the aim of improving 
operational efficiency. It uses 29 performance indicators to generate tables; dynamic graphs; and 
other diagrams that provide live and accurate information on all customs operations. ASYPM is 
running or being implemented in ten countries, i.e., Angola, Eswatini, Gabon , Jamaica, Lesotho, 
Liberia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. ASYPM v2 implementation in Bangladesh 
stared in 2023, with an expected launch in 2024.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  For Trade Facilitation, trade portals etc.  
Mr. Poul Hansen, Chief, Trade Facilitation Section  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva, Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 32 58 or +41 79 4444 366  
E-Mail: poul.hansen@unctad.org  or tfs@unctad.org  
 
3.2.  For ASYCUDA  
Mr. Fabrice Millet  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva, Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 20 59  
E-Mail: fabrice.millet@unctad.org  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
UNCTAD Websites  
4.1.  Link to the website for the UN Development Account project: Transport and trade connectivity 
in the age of pandemics  https://unttc.org/about .  
4.2.  UNCTAD web site on Trade Logistics https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logist ics and 
Trade Facilitation https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics/trade -facilitation . 
4.3.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA Program https://asycuda.org . 
4.4.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA ASYREC https://www.asyrec.asycuda.org/ . 
4.5.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA ASYHUB https://www.asyhub.org/ . 
4.6.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA case studies https://asycuda.org/ en/case -studies/ . 
4.7.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA eCITES https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/dtlasycuda_inf2019d2_en.pdf . G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 14 - 
  4.8.  UNCTAD Online -database of Trade Facilitation Committees around the world 
https://unctad.org/tfc . 
4.9.  UNCTAD Reform Tracker  https://reformtracker.org/ .  
4.10.  UNCTAD Trade Facilitation E -learning platform (the details of the platform is password 
protected for  participating NTFCs) https://tfelearning.unctad.org/ . 
4.11.  UN Trade Information Portal Website  http://tradeportal.org/ . 
4.12.  UNCTAD TRAINFORTRADE programme website https://tft.unctad.org/ .  
Videos  
4.13.  UNCTAD e -Learning Platform for National Trade Facilitation Committees https://youtu.be/5b -
5DW5bCFM . 
4.14.  Delivering UNCTAD Course on Gende r Perspectives in Trade Facilitation Reforms in Africa 
https://youtu.be/F825bXfE_FU . 
4.15.  Trade Facilitation Innovation Days Recap Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pK7j0 -
WqF4 . 
4.16.  UNCTAD Reform Tracker https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics/trade -
facilitation/reform -tracker . 
4.17.  UNCTAD Empowerment Programme for National Trade Facilitation Bodies 
https://yout u.be/NZLI_2LGolQ . 
Studies , articles , and reports  
4.18.  ASYCUDA Newsletter https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/dtlasycudainf2021d1_en.pdf . 
4.19.  ASYCUDA Compendium https://unctad.org/webflyer/asycuda -compendium -2020 . 
4.20.  Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2021: Accelerating Climate smart Trad e and 
Investment for Sustainable Development  https://unescap.org/kp/APTIR2021 .  
4.21.  Gender Policy Brief https://unctad.org/webflyer/integrating -gender -perspective -trade-
facilitation -reforms .  
4.22.  National Trade Facilitation Committees as coordinators of trade facilitation reform 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/dtltlb2020d1_en.pdf . 
4.23.  Roadmap for building a national trade information portal 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/dtltlb2021d3_en.pdf .  
4.24.  Sustaina ble and resilient transport and trade facilitation in times of pandemic and beyond: 
Key challenges and opportunities – sessional document https://unctad.org/system/files/offic ial-
document/cimem7d26_en.pdf .  
4.25.  Technical notes on Trade Facilitation https://unctad.org/webflyer/getting -down -business -
making -most-wto-trade-facilitation -agreement , Background documents .   
4.26.  UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-
trade-logistics/transport -newsletter . 
  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 15 - 
   
 
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (UNECE)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WTO TFA    
1.1.  The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and its UN Centre for Trade  
Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) serves as the focal point within the United Nations 
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for trade facilitation and electronic business standards.  
1.2.  UN/CEFACT supports countries in implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade 
Facilitation agreement (TFA) through five areas of intervention : policy recommendations, 
information exchange s tandards, guidelines  and capacity building materials, technical assistance,  
and research activities. This broad range of actions  target s all trade actors,  from governments and 
custom agents to local businesses  and big corporations.  
1.3.  Over the past 40 years, UNECE has developed 50 policy recommendations  reflecting best 
practices in trade procedures and data and documentary requirements. The following 
recommendation s are among those provid ing concrete support to the implementation of the WTO 
TFA: 
• Recommendation s 4 and 40 on the establishment and operation of National Trade 
Facilitation Committees, and b est practices in trade and government consultation on 
trade facilitation matters . 
• Recommendation s 33 to 36 on Single Window  - a facility that allows parties involved in 
trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single -
entry point to fulfil all import, export, and transit -related regulatory requirements . 
• Recommendation 38 address ing the importance of accessing accurate i nformation about 
the rules governing international trade and how to achieve this through a Trade 
Information Portal (TIP).  
• Recommendation 47 , which  outlines measures to mitigate the adverse impact of a 
pandemic , such as the COVID -19 pandemic,  on trade flow s. 
• Recommendation 48, emphasizes the importance of active engagement of the private 
sector in the national trade facilitation bodies . 
 
1.4.  UN/CEFACT works with a community of over 1,500 experts who developed over 950 
information exchange standards. The key adv antage of UN/CEFACT standards is its semantic 
interoperability allowing companies to benefit from complementarity of standards and harmonization 
of processes. UN/CEFACT standards support the following trade areas: sustainable and digital supply 
chain manag ement, trade and logistics, cross -border management, agriculture, accounting and 
audit, travel and tourism and environment.  
1.5.  UNECE provides guidance to countries on the implementation of the WTO TFA with its UN Trade 
Facilitation Implementation Guide (TFIG) , and dedicated training materials targeted to articles 10.1 
on formalities and documentary requirements; 10.3 on use of international standards; 10.4 on single 
window; and 23.2 on national trade facilitation committees and their operation. It also produce d 
guidelines for the drafting of National Trade Facilitation Roadmaps and for advancing paperless 
trade. In 2023, a new version of the TFIG website will be launched later in the year.  So far, TFIG 
has received over 143 million hits, from more than 3.8 mill ion unique users and it is currently 
available in Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish.  
1.6.  UNECE conducts technical assistance projects to support transition economies and their trade 
institutions in Europe and Central Asia in their efforts to advance  sustainable and digital trade 
facilitation. Through technical assistance programs for instance, UNECE supported Greece, Tajikistan 
and Kyrgyzstan with the development of National Trade Facilitation Roadmaps, which serve as the 
guiding framework for compre hensive national trade facilitation reforms over a five -year period.  
G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 16 - 
  1.7.  UNECE, in cooperation with other United Nations Regional Commissions (UNRCs) and  United 
Nations Conference on Trade and Development  (UNCTAD),  collect s and analy zes data on the 
implementation of 60 detailed measures for sustainable and digital trade facilitation, including the 
WTO TFA provisions, leading to the publication of the biennial UN Global Report on Digital and 
Sustainable Trade Facilitation. The latest 2023 Glob al Report is available on 15 September 2023.  
2  BRIEF  DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)   
2.1.  The UNECE regional report on digital and sustainable trade facilitation of 2023 will be published 
this year. Latest r esults from the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation  
concluded that UNECE economies have reached the impressive average rate of trade facilitation 
implementation of 80%, which marks an increase from 76% in 2021. The report will al so identify 
disparities among sub -regions, especially in digital trade facilitation.  
2.2.  UNECE is currently implementing a technical assistance project for evidence -based policy 
making on digital and sustainable trade facilitation and to support the accession  to the WTO of 
targeted beneficiary countries in the Central Asian region, i.e. Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and 
Uzbekistan. The project will produce policy briefs to: 1) identify progress and gaps to be addressed; 
2) support evidence -based policy making based  on relevant UNECE -UN/CEFACT recommendations 
and standards; and 3) facilitate the exchange of good practices and lessons, through a dedicated 
workshop.  
2.3.  UNECE is also in the process of preparing for the National Trade Facilitation Roadmap for 
Uzbekistan, in order to support efforts of strengthening the capacity of Central Asian countries to 
implement trade facilitation measures and better integrate into the international rules -based trading 
system.  
2.4.  The Recommendation No.48 on Private Sector Par ticipation in National Trade Facilitation Bodies 
(NTFBs) has been submitted to the 29th UN/CEFACT Plenary and will be presented in 
November  2023. Recognizing that there are many barriers to active private sector engagement with 
NTFBs, this recommendation e mphasizes the importance of active engagement of the private sector 
in the national trade facilitation bodies for strengthening their relevance, legitimacy and 
performance, and provides practical guidance in creating a trusted, permanent and effective 
environment for public -private sector dialogue within NTFBs.  
2.5.  To promote the use of clear, structured semantics and coded information in data exchange, in 
October 2022 UNECE adopted the revised Recommendation No. 2 on ECE Layout Key: semantic 
information and c odes in international trade data exchange and its guidelines. This document 
encourages all stakeholders to use international standards, particularly UN/CEFACT semantic 
standards for e -business data exchange relevant to their operations.  
2.6.  In October 2022, UN /CEFACT launched a series of new standards for e -certificate of origin, 
integrated track and trace for multi -modal information and cross -industry despatch and receive 
process. These are new tools to move towards alignment and harmonization of trade rules a nd 
procedures. In addition, the UN/CEFACT tool for Integrated Services for MSMEs in International 
Trade  (ISMIT) and development of eService platforms aims to facilitate trade for MSMEs by 
addressing obstacles in an effective manner and allows them to reach  export markets. SMEs are 
particularly affected by disrupted supply chains during COVID -19, economic downturn and current 
crisis.   
2.7.  UNECE together with other UN Regional Commissions (UNRCs) and UNCTAD is implementing a 
project on “Blockchains for facilitati ng trade and enhancing competitiveness”. Blockchain technology 
presents an opportunity to further enhance trade digitalization and support in mitigating the 
socioeconomic impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic and cutting trade costs. Under the project, UNECE 
will provide technical assistance to the government of Uzbekistan to increase their preparedness to 
adopt and adapt blockchain to international trade.  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 17 - 
  3  HOW  TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE   
3.1.  To request assistance, please contact Ms. Maria Teresa Pisani, Officer -in-Charge , Trade 
Facilitation Section (email: maria -teresa.pisani@un.org)   
3.2.  Useful information (links to website, research articles, etc.)   
UN/CEFACT: https://www.unece.org/cefact.html   
Recommendations and Standards:   
https://unece.org/trade/uncef act/tf_recommendations  
https://unece.org/trade/uncefact/mainstandards  
Trade Facilitation Implementation Guide (TFIG): http://tfig.unece.org/   
UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation:  https://www.untfsurvey.org/  
  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 18 - 
   
 
WORLD BANK GROUP (WBG)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The WBG is the one of the largest multilateral providers of financial, capacity building, and 
technical assistance support for trade facilitation. The WTO TFA provides the framework for the 
WBG's trade facilitation support to more than 70 countries, and the WBG works closely with t he 
WTO, other partners (including Annex D), and donors to support developing and least developed 
countries (LDCs) in TFA implementation. M iddle-income countries that act as gateways for LDCs or 
whose performance significantly affects the performance of reg ional LDCs and small -island nations 
are also considered for support.   
1.2.  WBG support on trade facilitation is implemented through a mix of technical assistance, 
investment lending, and policy development operations.  
1.3.  The WBG provides global, regional, and country level TFA implementation support primarily 
through the Trade Faci litation Support Program (TFSP) - its flagship trust fund program launched in 
2014. TFSP has provided or is providing multi -year implementation assistance to 50+ countries and 
is supported by Australia, Canada, the European Union, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, 
Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The WBG previously also provided support 
to five middle -income countries through the Trade Facilitation Programme in Middle Income 
Countries, which was supported by the UK.  
1.4.  The WBG assists co untries to identify existing constraints and bottlenecks to cross -border 
trade; design and plan for the implementation of practical and demand -driven reforms; support the 
sustainability of public -private dialogue mechanisms; and increase the predictability , transparency, 
and harmonization of systems and procedures in line with international standards covering import, 
export, and transit activities. The WBG focuses on supporting the full and effective implementation 
of the WTO TFA and related trade facilitat ion reforms through a whole -of-government approach that 
takes into account the varied capacities of border agencies to implement reforms.  
1.5.  Assistance can include support with preparatory activities (such as preparing for ratification of 
the WTO TFA or sche duling/notifying commitments), diagnostics, capacity building (such as 
strengthening the National Trade Facilitation Committee), technical assistance (such as establishing 
and publishing average release times), and/or regional activities (such as implement ing border 
agency collaboration, risk management automation and preparation for national single windows).  
1.6.  Recognizing the important roles of both the public and private sectors in trade facilitation, the 
World Bank Group implements support by drawing on t he unique expertise of both the World Bank, 
the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and partnerships with Donors and other Annex D 
organizations.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  Demand for WB G support for trade facilitation continues to grow. Responding to the increase 
in demand for WBG support, TFSP recently added eight countries (Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Egypt, 
Indonesia, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, St. Kitts & Nevis) to its portfolio while also reinforcing 
its support to existing portfolio countries.  
2.2.  The WBG continues to monitor progress towards meeting its objective of helping countries fully 
and effectively implement the TFA. Through Gap Assessments that covers legal/policy aspects,  
implementation procedures, and operational checks for each TFA measure, the most recent data 
indicates that TFSP -funded activities have helped improve client countries ' alignment with WTO TFA 
measures by 10%.  
G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 19 - 
  2.3.  The WBG continues to carry out its work on tr ade facilitation and gender, with particular focus 
on women -led firms in cross -border trade. The WBG designed a survey to collect gender -
disaggregated data on the challenges that women traders (at the firm -level) face compared to their 
male counterparts in  order to inform the design of future trade facilitation projects. The survey has 
been completed in nine countries; and building on that work, four more surveys are currently 
underway.  
2.4.  Emphasis is placed on supporting sustainable reforms – interventions th at continue to generate 
results and gains for stakeholders even after WBG support is completed. This is achieved through 
providing extensive training, fostering ownership and leadership, and implementing reforms that are 
binding.  
2.5.  The WBG continues excelle nt cooperation and coordination with TFAF to ensure 
complementarity of activities and implementation of support for requests received by TFAF.  
2.6.  The WBG launched a podcast series called “Trade Tips” to take listeners  on a journey around 
the globe – from Vanu atu to Ghana, Jamaica to Nepal, London to Washington, DC. Through 
conversations with traders who are being affected by key issues like climate change, digitization, 
gender – and experts offering cutting -edge solutions – the podcast  highlight s why trade mat ters and 
how it can be made more efficient . Each podcast focuses on a specific theme and has an operational 
‘'how to' ' on the specific subject matter. The podcast episodes can be found here: 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/series/trade -tips-podcast    
2.7.  The automation and digitization of border procedures bec ame increasingly relevant during the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Since then, t here is an increased focu s and demand from clients for digitization 
initiatives, like the Single Window. In order to manage client expectations and provide optimal 
technical assistance, the WBG produced  a short animation  to introduce clients to the benefits of 
digitization and the  steps required for the implementation of a Single Window. The video can be 
viewed here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2022/10/30/single -window -a-path-to-
paperless -trade  
2.8.  Examples of WBG knowledge products providing guidance in addressing key challenges related 
crisis management include:  
Video:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2020/06/22/managing -risk-and-
facilitating -trade-during -covid-19 
Guidance Notes:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
 English  | Español  | Français | Português  | Русский  
 
• Trade Facilitation Best Practices Implemented in Response to the COVID -19 Pandemic 
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/824081587487261551/pdf/Trade -and-
COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Trade -Facilitation -Best-Practices -Implemented -in-
Response -to-the-COVID -19-Pandemic.pdf  
 
• Recomendaciones sobre  mejores prácticas en facilitación de comercio para 
Centroamérica como resultado de covid -19  
 
Blogs:  
• Public -private collaboration facilitates the import of vaccines in Tonga  
• Supporting Safe Trade to Improve Nepal 's Export Position  
• New Clearance Procedures Save Time at Macedonian Border  
• Ten years old and growing strong – Happy Birthday to the Lao Trade Information Portal  
• Time release studies: Making trade faster and more predictable in Europe and Central 
Asia 
• Trade facilitation: Critical to COVID -19 recovery  
• Digital Trade Can Help North Macedonia Build Back Better Post -COVID -19   G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 20 - 
  • Managing organizational performance in Customs during a crisis period  
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  To receive support, countries are expected to have demonstrated a strong commitment to 
implementing t rade facilitation reforms. The trust funds prioritize assistance to countries with limited 
access to other donor support. Requests for assistance can be made directly to Mr. Bill Gain, Global 
Lead for Trade Facilitation ( wgain@worldbank.org ), World Bank Group offices, or donor partners.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
• World Bank Group TFSP webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/trade -facilitation -support -program  
 
• Research: WBG Trade Facilitation & Gender Surveys  
Brazil  |  The Philippines  | South Africa  | Pacific Islands and Timor -Leste (Re gional 
report)  |  Fiji |  Papa New Guinea  |  Samoa  | Vanuatu  |  Timor -Leste  
• WBG Videos & Animations  
Video: Unlocking Trade for Women in the Pacific   G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 21 - 
   
 
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION (WCO)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The World Customs Organization (WCO) is the only intergovernmental organization dealing 
with Customs  matters. In order to support its members in TFA implementation, in June 2014 the 
WCO launched its flagship Mercator Programme in the field of trade facilit ation. The Mercator 
Programme follows a dual -track approach that is comprised of overall and tailor -made tracks, 
allowing the WCO to respond to important cross -cutting, as well as country -specific challenges to 
TFA implementation. The Mercator Programme is  a unique initiative that allows for uniform 
implementation of the TFA by applying WCO instruments and tools and is supported by the practical 
experiences of the global Customs community. It has been evolving to address the needs and 
requirements of the Me mbership, including those arising from the challenges faced by the COVID -
19 pandemic.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
Overall track of the Mercator Programme  
2.1.  A number of tools and guidance materia ls were presented to the WCO Policy Commission 
and/or Council  and completed in June 2023:  
• Version 4.0.0 of the WCO Data Model;  
• Revised update/maintenance mechanism for the E -Commerce Package;  
• 4th Edition of the Compendium of Case Studies on E-Commerce;  
• Revised versions of Annexes I and VI to the Technical Specifications (TS) to the WCO 
Framework of Standards on Cross -Border E -Commerce (E -Commerce FoS) resulting 
from the 2022 -2023 annual review process;  
• WCO Guide to Stress Tests;  
• Updated WCO Implementation Guidance for Section I of the WTO TFA;  
• Guidelines on Cooperation Between Customs and Port Authorities;  
• Maritime API and BRI/PNR Standard Maintenance Procedure;  
• Maritime API and BRI/PNR Dataset;  
• Cruise Ship Compendium of Best Practices for Cu stoms;  
• “Study on the Digitalization of the Certificate of Origin” up to and including Section 5;  
• Updated WCO Risk Management Compendium Volume 2;  
• WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism;  
• Fraud Detected Through Post -Clearance Audit and Its Techniques;  
• Data An alysis Dashboard for PCA using Power BI;  
• PCA A Common Audit Questionnaire;  
• Case studies and risk indicators to identify intellectual property right (IPR), health and 
safety infringing goods related to e -commerce;  
• Guidelines on Environmentally Safe Storage and Destruction of Intellectual Property 
Infringing Goods.  
 
2.2.  The following guidance tools and materials are under development or update:  
• Concept paper on the use of blockchain by Customs;  
• WCO Risk Management Compendium;  
• WCO-UPU Postal Customs Guide;  
• 5th edi tion of the Compendium of Case Studies on E -Commerce.  
 
G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
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  2.3.  To support the harmonized implementation of the TFA by using core WCO instruments and 
tools, the WCO released an Implementation Guidance for Section I in 2014. For each TFA measure 
in Section I, it contains the following categories of information: Overview ; Text of the TFA Article; 
relevant RKC Standards and RKC Guidelines; other relevant WCO tools and Members practices. The 
Guidance has been updated recently and the updated Implementation Guidance for Section I of the 
WTO TFA  is available on the WCO website in English, French and Spanish.  
2.4.  As a continuation of the efforts deployed in order to pool good practices and experiences on 
implementation of advance rulings, the WCO launched an online survey to collect information about 
the practices of WCO Members that will be used in the update of the Technical Guidelines on advance 
rulings for classification, origin and valuation (June 201 5), in particular in regards to the time periods 
at the various stages governing this mechanism, such as the periods for issuance, admissibility, 
review or appeal. In addition, a "post -implementation" diagnostic tool of the advance rulings 
mechanism  could  be implemented, which will allow administrations to assess whether their national 
legislation complies with the requirements of Article 3 of the TFA.  
2.5.  Since November 2022 , national and regional workshops continue in the areas of TFA, e -
commerce, performanc e measurement, risk management, AEO, data analytics, post -clearance audit, 
advance rulings, COVID -19, disruptive technologies, free zones, coordinated border management 
and in many other areas.  
Tailor -made track of the Mercator Programme  
2.6.  2The WCO has remai ned responsive and proactive to the TFA implementation needs of its 
Members and has continued to provide effective technical support and capacity building assistance.  
2.7.  November 2022, with the assistance of Member Experts, over 190 on -line, blended and in -
country support activities have been successfully delivered and many more are planned for later in 
2023.  Over 150 of these support activities were delivered under the multi -year (MY) Mercator 
operating model that is based on medium to long -term engagements  and employs a project -based 
approach. The WCO currently has 63 Customs administrations benefiting from MY Mercator 
partnerships.  
2.8.  Delivered activities have included several in -country Mercator diagnostic assessments and 
strategic planning support missions along with activities closely associated with specific Articles of 
the TFA including, post -clearance audit, risk management, time release study, authorized economic 
operators, amongst others.  
2.9.  Throughout the period, engagements with many MY Mercator benefic iaries have seen on -going 
work to review Implementation Plans, provide implementation status updates and the completion of 
Maturity Model assessments that provide an important baseline against which future TFA 
implementation progress and maturity can be me asured and reported.  
COVID -19 related work  
2.10.  The implementation of the WCO COVID -19 Action Plan was successfully completed in 
June 2022. Nevertheless, the Secretariat continues to carry out work related to the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
2.11.  From November 2022 to June 2 023, under the COVID -19 project funded by the Government 
of Japan, the WCO organized workshop s for the West and Central Africa Region , East and Southern 
Africa Region, North of Africa, Near and Middle East Region and Europe Region  on sharing of 
experiences  and lessons learnt from COVID -19. Several workshops were organized at the national 
level for Members having requested the Project's support, such as Angola, Comoros, Jamaica and 
Indonesia . The WCO also provided digital tools and equipment to interested Me mbers to support the 
use of electronic Customs declarations and other measures with the aim of preventing the spread of 
the virus and ensuring supply chain continuity and the safe resumption of international travel.  G/TFA/TFAF/W/2  
- 23 - 
  Past and upcoming events  
2.12.  Since November 2022, the WCO organized the  17th annual WCO PICARD Conference  (8-9 
December 2022), a series of symposia on Visualising a Greener HS , an inaugural Symp osium on E -
Commerce and Customs Valuation (15 February 2023), the Joint WCO -UPU Global Conference  (6-8 
June 2023) and 2023 WCO Knowledge Academy for Customs and Trade  (26-28 June 2023).  It is 
currently in the process of organizing the  WCO Technology Conference 2023  (10-12 October 2023, 
Ha Noi, Viet Nam), Second Symposium on E -Commerce and Customs Valuation (23 October 2023)  
and Third WCO Global Origin Conference 2023  (8-9 November 2023, Santiago, Chile) . All information 
on WCO events can be found at a dedicated Events web page .  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  WCO Capacity Building delivery is based on multi -year project planning as well as on the annual 
Capacity Building needs assessment carried out by the Secretariat together with Member Customs 
administrations and supported by the Regional Offices for Capacit y Building (ROCBs).   
3.2.  However, in addition to this needs assessment process, developing countries and LDCs may 
submit their requests for assistance to the WCO Capacity Building Directorate 
(capacity.buildin g@wcoomd.org ) at any time.  
3.3.  Interested development partners and donor institutions may contact the WCO Office of External 
Relations ( external.relations@wcoomd.org ) with regard to further cooperation, including financial 
support for technical assistance and capacity building projects.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
WCO website: www.wcoomd.org . 
 
Mercator Programme:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity -building/activities -and-programmes/mercator -
programme.aspx . 
 
WCO Implementing the TFA:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/wco -implementing -the-wto-atf.aspx . 
 
COVID -19 web page:  
http://www.wco omd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/coronavirus.aspx . 
 
COVID -19 vaccines distribution  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/covid19 -vaccines -distribution.aspx . 
 
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