Supported by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the European Union, the platform will help streamline border crossings, lower costs and drive inclusive regional growth.
Shutterstock/Daniel Humberto Umana | A container ship in Acajutla port, El Salvador.
Central American countries will roll out a regional digital platform to track trade facilitation reforms and deepen economic integration. The platform will help cut border times, reduce trade costs, modernize border management and promote inclusive growth.
The initiative is led by the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) with support from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and funding from the European Union.
UNCTAD and SIECA have signed a cooperation agreement to launch the UNCTAD Trade Facilitation Reform Tracker. The tool supports the Central American Strategy for Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness with an Emphasis on Coordinated Border Management 2023, the shared roadmap to make trade faster and more predictable across the region.
“The Reform Tracker focuses on coordinating and monitoring key trade facilitation reforms in real time,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. “This alliance shows the region’s commitment to the use of digital tools to improve commercial efficiency, transparency and inclusion. We are very pleased to support SIECA and its member states on their path toward regional integration by strengthening coordinated management.”
Real-time tracking and coordination
The Reform Tracker will become the operational backbone of the 2023 Strategy. Adapted to SIECA priorities, it enables real-time monitoring of measures, task management, inter-institutional coordination and automated reporting. It helps move from policymaking to implementation with greater accuracy, efficiency and transparency. It will also support progress on reduced border crossing times, greater regulatory harmonization and steps toward interoperable digital systems such as the Central American Digital Trade Platform.
“The implementation of the Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness Strategy with an Emphasis on Coordinated Border Management 2023 requires a reliable tool for monitoring, evaluation and follow up. This project is designed to provide it,” said Francisco A. Lima Mena, Secretary-General of SIECA. “Together with UN Trade and Development and with the financial support of the European Union, this tool will be key for the regional implementation plan and for tracking impact.”
This partnership reflects SIECA’s shift toward data-driven digital governance. By enabling joint monitoring, clear communication and shared accountability, the Reform Tracker will help Central American countries meet regional trade reform commitments quickly and effectively.
Costa Rica workshop kicks off implementation
The project launch and first workshop took place at the 3rd Regional Meeting of National Trade Facilitation Committees in San José, Costa Rica, from 24 to 26 June 2025.
Under the project, UN Trade and Development will:
- Customize and implement the Reform Tracker for SIECA use
- Train officials through webinars and an online course
- Provide advisory services, technical support and global access to the Reform Tracker