Strengthening regional capacities to monitor the trade facilitation strategy of the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration

Members of the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) have adopted the "2023 Central American Strategy for Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness with Emphasis on Coordinated Border Management," which includes a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. This Strategy aims to decrease trade costs and delays, modernize border management practices, and foster inclusive economic growth. It builds upon advancements made in prior phases, which have successfully reduced border crossing times, enhanced regulatory harmonization, and achieved progress toward interoperable digital systems, including the Central American Digital Trade Platform.

With funding from the European Union, UNCTAD will offer technical assistance and a digital tool known as the Reform Tracker. This tool is designed to enhance institutional coordination and expedite the implementation of the region's flagship trade facilitation strategy. The digital platform will serve as the operational foundation for this initiative. Tailored to the priorities of SIECA and its Member States, the Reform Tracker allows for real-time monitoring, task management, coordination, and automated reporting, thereby empowering decision-makers to transition from policy formulation to actionable steps with precision and transparency..

Objective

This project aims to enhance regional capacities for implementing and monitoring the Central American Strategy for Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness, with an Emphasis on Coordinated Border Management, through the UNCTAD Reform Tracker.

Activities

The proposed project has three components, each tailored to the needs of the SIECA Trade Facilitation Strategy:

1. Setting up a SIECA Reform Tracker
   • Customization: Tailor the platform to address the specific needs of SIECA and its member countries as much as possible.
   • Information Upload: Existing implementation assessments and trade facilitation reforms at both the national and regional levels will be uploaded.
   • Guidance: The SIECA Secretariat and the NTFC Secretariats will upload this information supported by the UNCTAD Team.
   • Advisory Services: Provide advisory services to both SIECA and the NTFC Secretariats to facilitate the uploading of information and to ensure the Reform Tracker is operational.
   • Platform Access: Grant access to officials designated by the SIECA and NTFC Secretariats.
2. Training stakeholders on how to use the Reform Tracker
   • E-learning: Provide access to an online course for users and administrators, covering the functionalities of the Reform Tracker.
   • Live online sessions: showing the different functionalities of the reform trackers, which will be recorded.
3. Ensuring sustainability
   • Help Desk and Maintenance: Provide access to the help desk, along with maintenance support.
   • Software Updates: Guarantee continuous updates and improvements to the Reform Tracker
   • Access to the Global Reform Tracker Community: To promote collaboration and learning among UNCTAD member states using the Reform Tracker. SIECA Secretariat will be invited to participate in meetings organized by UNCTAD with other beneficiaries of the Reform Tracker.

Intended Outcomes

This initiative will enhance regional cooperation, equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to monitor trade facilitation reforms effectively, and contribute to the broader goals of economic integration in Central America.

Link to the SDGs

The Project will incorporate the dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that focus on strengthening policy frameworks and institutions. This aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals, as the project lies on the partnership between UNCTAD, SIECA and the National Trade Facilitation Committees.

Additionally, the Project will contribute indirectly to achieving other SDGs, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Promoting Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development).

Monitoring and Evaluation

• UNCTAD will use the logical framework achievement indicators, developed according to UNCTAD internal RBM requirements, to monitor project results during the project implementation period and beyond.
• UNCTAD will also conduct regular risk assessments and adapt project strategies accordingly.
• Monitoring results will be submitted to SIECA.