Accelerate trade facilitation

The overall aim of the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme is to support developing and least developed countries to implement trade facilitation reforms.

The implementation of trade facilitation reforms—both those mandated by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and those beyond its scope—contributes to a cheaper, more efficient, transparent, and predictable business environment. This improved environment fosters economic growth and competitiveness.

A key enabler of this transformation is the establishment and effective functioning of NTFCs, which serve as inclusive platforms for public-private dialogue and coordination.

When NTFCs are well-equipped, trained, and actively engaged, they accelerate the design, adoption, and implementation of trade facilitation measures.

Targeted capacity building (for instance via UNCTAD Trade Facilitation e-Learning Platform), technical assistance, and digital tools (such as UNCTAD Reform Tracker) provided to NTFCs (and other trade facilitation stakeholders) directly enhance their ability to drive reforms, ultimately leading to measurable improvements in trade facilitation and fulfillment of WTO TFA obligations.

The Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme is one of the longest technical assistance programmes in UNCTAD and has, since 2015, supported over 30 countries to expedite the movement of goods and strengthen public-private collaboration through the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Its fifth phase, running from April 2026 to March 2029, is supported by a budget of approximately USD 1,200,000, bringing the total programme’s budget since 2015 to more than USD 7 million.

A medida que cambian las rutas comerciales, las herramientas de transparencia pasan a ocupar un lugar central en el comercio mundial

22 abr. 2026

Digital portals help cut uncertainty, lower costs and strengthen resilience as supply chains adjust.

Aceleración de la facilitación del comercio: financiación del Reino Unido respalda la siguiente fase del programa global

30 Mar 2026

Renewed efforts by UNCTAD and its partners aim to help more countries strengthen their trade systems, benefit from international markets and prepare for emerging challenges.

Del cumplimiento al impacto: Mejorar el funcionamiento de los puntos de consulta para la facilitación del comercio

27 feb. 2026

UNCTAD advocates for stronger trade transparency, highlighting that when information is not easily accessible, smaller traders and firms pay the price.

El Programa de Empoderamiento para la Facilitación del Comercio de UNCTAD cumple 10 años

1 dic. 2025

Through the programme, UNCTAD and partners help more than 80 economies boost trade by cutting red tape and harnessing digitalization.

Elevando las voces de las mujeres comerciantes en Bolivia, Ecuador y Perú

7 Mar 2025

UN Trade and Development renews calls for women’s empowerment – a vital cause that strengthens not only gender equality but also global economic resilience and sustainability.

Status and outlook for National Trade Facilitation Committees – 2025

UNCTAD/DTL/TLB/2026/1

9 junio 2026