NTFC session 5: Role of the National Trade Facilitation Committees in pioneering digital and sustainable trade facilitation

Pamela Ugaz is an international trade lawyer with over 15 years of experience in trade policy, trade facilitation, regional integration, and project management. She collaborates with the Trade Facilitation Section, UNCTAD since 2013, conducting technical assistance and capacity building projects towards the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in African Asia and Latin America. She also conducts research on trade facilitation topics. Prior to joining UNCTAD, she worked as Associate Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and as Legal Affairs Officer at the World Trade Organization. As legal Adviser to the Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade of Peru, she negotiated transparency and dispute settlement provisions in several Regional Trade Agreements between Peru and its trade partners, including the EU, China, the US, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Canada, and the EFTA. Ms. Ugaz holds a Ph.D. in International Trade Law from the University of Geneva and a Master in International Law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.

Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of the Digital Cluster and Maqta Gateway at AD Ports Group, is a pioneering force in global trade digitalization.

With a vision to simplify trade through Abu Dhabi, she spearheads groundbreaking digital solutions that revolutionize transport and logistics worldwide.

Joining AD Ports Group in 2014, her foresight laid a scalable digital foundation, driving international expansion across 42 countries. Under her leadership, the Digital Cluster drives transformative initiatives, including Abu Dhabi's Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform.

Noura's achievements, recognized with numerous awards, underscore her impact, from Entrepreneur of the Year to Arab Woman in Technology.

A trailblazer, she holds patents and advocates for societal, environmental, and educational progress.

With a PhD in Multidisciplinary Engineering, she empowers women in digital sectors and cultivates talent for the future through initiatives like ATLG. Noura redefines trade and supply chains, pushing boundaries globally.

Jane Musyoki is the Officer in charge of Trade Information Portal and Value Add Services at Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade); the organization mandated to facilitate cross border trade and establish, manage and implement the National Electronic Single Window System in Kenya. She has progressive experience in International Trade for Eight years.

Jane holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the University of Nairobi and is a communication graduate from the same University. She has a post graduate diploma in Information and Technology, Certificate in Trade Law & Policy and is also a Master trainer in Trade facilitation Agreement in East Africa Community Bloc. She is a PRINCE2 Practictioner in certification in managing successful projects as well as a TRALAC Alumni.

Kumar Kanishk is currently an Assistant Director in the Department of Commerce, Government of India. He has been involved with the G20 issues over the last 4 years and has been instrumental in the successful completion of the Indian G20 Presidency.

Kanishk, an officer of the Indian Economic Service (IES) of the Indian Civil Services has had a proficient training in theoretical and applied economics.

In the past, he has been involved in the negotiating teams in Free Trade Agreements like India- UAE, India- EU, and upcoming FTAs. In addition to his trade focus, Kanishk has been trained in Public Finance and Public Policy.