
In this conversation, participants discuss the important role that Governments, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and NTFCs play in integrating advanced technology into trade facilitation at both national and regional levels.
The goal is to improve public services, increase efficiency, and meet the changing needs of businesses while prioritizing sustainability.
We examine the rapidly evolving technological landscape and provide practical examples of how it can revolutionize trade facilitation, resulting in increased efficiency and sustainability.
Subtopics
- Reform Tracker (digital monitoring of TF Reforms)
- E-phyto implementation and certification for export.
- The Electronic Cargo Tracking System.
- Paperless Trade and the applications of Blockchain, AI and IoT in trade facilitation.
- Country examples and best practices.
Programme
Moderator:
- Pamela Ugaz, Economic affairs officer, Trade Facilitation Section, UNCTAD
Speakers
- Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO, Digital Cluster, Maqta Gateway, AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi
- Jane Musyoki, Principal officer, E-portal & Value add services, Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade)
- Kumar Kanishk, Assistant Director, Department of Commerce, Government of India
- Khetsiwe Dlamini, Senior Trade Policy Analyst, International Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Eswatini
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.

Related
Event
- NTFC Session 2: Successful National Trade Facilitation Committees - Best practices, challenges and opportunities
- NTFC Session 3: Supply chain disruptions - the role and response of National Trade Facilitation Committees
- NTFC session 4: Humanitarian relief - The role and preparedness of NTFCs
- NTFC Session 6: The role of customs in National Trade Facilitation Committees and the link to customs consultative committees
- NTFC Session 7: Border agency cooperation and regional trade facilitation - Contribution of the National Trade Facilitation Committees
- NTFC Session 8: Fostering private sector engagement in National Trade Facilitation Committees
- NTFC Session 9: Role of the National Trade Facilitation Committees in mobilizing resources
- NTFC Session 10: Inclusivity in trade facilitation -The role of National Trade Facilitation Committees
- NTFC Session 11: National Trade Facilitation Committees' involvement in pioneering climate-smart trade facilitation
Contact
Global Supply Chain Forum secretariat
gscf@unctad.org
Mr. Jan Hoffmann
Head of the Trade Logistics Branch
Division on Technology and Logistics
UNCTAD, Geneva
jan.hoffmann@unctad.org
Ms. Pamela Ugaz
Economic Affairs Officer
Trade Facilitation Section
Division on Technology and Logistics
UNCTAD, Geneva
pamela.ugaz@unctad.org