National trade facilitation committees as coordinators of trade facilitation reforms

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Trade logistics

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AT TRANSPORT AND TRADE FACILITATION Series 14 National trade facilitation committees coordinators trade facilitation reforms UN CTA UNITED NATIONS TR TR FA ILITATIO eries 14 National trade facilitation ittees coordinators trade facilitation reform Printed United Nations, Geneva – 2011340 () – December 2020 – 531 – UNCTAD/DTL/TLB/2020/1 National trade facilitation committees coordinators trade facilitation reforms AT TRANSPORT AND TRADE FACILITATION Series 14 Geneva, 2020 © 2020, United Nations work open access, complying Creative Commons licence created intergovernmental organizations, http://creativecommons.org/licenses//3.0/igo/. designations employed presentation material map work imply expression opinion whatsoever part United Nations legal status country, territory, city area authorities, delimitation frontiers boundaries. Mention firm licensed process imply endorsement United Nations. References country names publication correspond names historically periods data reviewed. Photocopies reproductions excerpts allowed proper credits. publication formally edited. United Nations publication issued United Nations Conference Trade Development. UNCTAD/DTL/TLB/2020/1 eISBN: 978-92-1-005115-6 http://creativecommons.org/licenses//3.0/igo/ NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS iii Acknowledgements study prepared Arántzazu ánchez Belastegui support contributions Trade Facilitation Section, UNCTAD, guidance Shamika Sirimanne, Director Division Technology Logistics, Jan Hoffmann, Chief Trade Logistics Branch, Poul Hansen, Chief Trade Facilitation Section. Valuable contributions comments World Trade Organization (Mark Henderson), independent international Trade Facilitation consultants (Tom Butterly). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS iv Table contents Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................... iii Table contents ............................................................................................................................................. iv List boxes ...................................................................................................................................................... List figures .................................................................................................................................................... List tables .................................................................................................................................................... vi Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................................. vi Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................................... vii 12 major trends National Trade Facilitation Committees ........................................................ vii Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Scope methodology ........................................................................................................................ 1 National Trade Facilitation Committees entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement ................................................................................................................................... 2 1 Analysis key elements Trade Facilitation Committees .................................................................. 4 1.1 Mandate Scope Action ..................................................................................................... 4 1.1.1 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement core NTFC focus ......................... 4 1.1.2 Concrete scopes action NTFC ......................................................................... 5 1.1.3 Regional integration bilateral relations ................................................................... 8 1.1.4 -Commerce.................................................................................................................. 10 1.1.5 Mandate scope action NTFCs developed countries .................................. 11 1.2 Institutional framework ............................................................................................................. 17 1.2.1 Degree institutionalization ....................................................................................... 17 1.2.2 Terms reference ....................................................................................................... 18 1.2.3 Work plan, monitoring evaluation ......................................................................... 19 1.2.4 Chairpersonship ............................................................................................................ 21 1.2.5 Permanent secretariat .................................................................................................. 24 1.2.6 Regularity frequency meetings .......................................................................... 26 1.2.7 Institutional framework NTFCs developed countries ........................................... 27 1.3 Composition ............................................................................................................................... 27 1.3.1 Public-private representation ....................................................................................... 27 1.3.2 Level seniority members ...................................................................................... 33 1.4 Gender mainstreaming .............................................................................................................. 33 1.5 Communication key stakeholders ..................................................................................... 37 1.6 Budget financial resources ................................................................................................. 38 1.7 Concrete outcomes.................................................................................................................... 40 2 Key factors sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees .............................. 43 2.1 Perception sustainability ....................................................................................................... 43 2.2 Key factors sustainability ..................................................................................................... 45 2.3 Main obstacles sustainability ............................................................................................... 47 Conclusions .................................................................................................................................................... 50 Main findings study ................................................................................................................... 50 Trade facilitation - endeavour, National Trade Facilitation Committees ....... 54 References ...................................................................................................................................................... 56 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS List boxes Box 1: Role East African Community Secretariat coordination NTFCs ............................... 9 Box 2: Boosting NTFCs’ capacity simplify procedures trade information portals ........ 12 Box 3: Key qualities effective chairperson National Trade Facilitation Committee ..................... 23 Box 4: Key Recommendations NTFCs mainstream gender trade facilitation .................................... 35 Box 5: UNCTAD supports sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees ........................ 44 List figures Figure 1: Sample study level development .................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Year creation existing Trade Facilitation Bodies ................................................... 3 Figure 3: extent scope work NTFC limited issues related WTO TFA (1 meaning "work limited WTO TFA"; 5 means "work broader WTO TFA") ......................... 4 Figure 4: Scopes National Trade Facilitation Committees ............................................................................. 7 Figure 5: Regional integration part scope National Trade Facilitation Committees ....................... 8 Figure 6: NTFC decision action facilitate cross-border -commerce ................... 10 Figure 7: NTFC decisions actions related cross-border -commerce .......... 11 Figure 8: Scope action NTFCs developed countries ............................................................................. 16 Figure 9: NTFC officially set Results level development ........................................... 17 Figure 10: NTFC Terms Reference ...................................................................................... 18 Figure 11: NTFC work plan ................................................................................................... 19 Figure 12: Timeframe work plan National Trade Facilitation Committees ............................................. 20 Figure 13: Types chairpersonship National Trade Facilitation Committee ....................................... 21 Figure 14: Key statistics permanent secretariats ................................................................................... 25 Figure 15: Frequency meetings National Trade Facilitation Committees ............................................... 26 Figure 16: Average number public private members National Trade Facilitation Committee ...... 28 Figure 17: Average number members NTFCs - 2015 2019 .................................................................. 28 Figure 18: Members National Trade Facilitation Committees public private entities .... 30 Figure 19: Members National Trade Facilitation Committees public private entities level development ....................................................................................................................................... 31 Figure 20: Level seniority members National Trade Facilitation Committee ............................... 33 Figure 21: Average gender distribution National Trade Facilitation Committees ....................................... 33 Figure 22: Percentage National Trade Facilitation Committees Chairman, President Vice President woman, level development .............................................................................................. 34 Figure 23: Reasons National Trade Facilitation Committees decision action mainstream gender trade facilitationSource: UNCTAD – Sample: 52 countries ......................................... 34 Figure 24: Reasons National Trade Facilitation Committees decision action mainstream gender trade facilitation - level development ............................................................... 36 Figure 25: National Trade Facilitation Committee communication strategy ...................... 37 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833142 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833144 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833146 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833146 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833149 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833150 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833152 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833153 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833154 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833156 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833159 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833163 https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833164 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS vi Figure 26: Percentage National Trade Facilitation Committees mention aspects communication channels stakeholders informed............................................................................... 38 Figure 27: Key facts financing National Trade Facilitation Committee ........................................... 39 Figure 28: Items covered budget National Trade Facilitation Committees, average .................. 40 Figure 29: Concrete outcomes National Trade Facilitation Committees .............................................. 42 Figure 30: Main crucial factors sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees .................. 46 Figure 31: Main obstacles sustainability NTFCs .................................................................................... 48 Figure 32: TOP 10 obstacles National Trade Facilitation Committees time ....................................... 49 List tables Table 1: List trade facilitation committees considered region ................................................................ 1 Abbreviations ASEAN Association Southeast Asian Nations B2C Business Consumers CARICOM Caribbean Community ECOWAS Economic Community West African States EAC East African Community ITC International Trade Center GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft ü Internationale Zusammenarbeit LDC developed country NTFC National trade facilitation committee RTAs Regional Trade Agreements SCTIFI Sectoral Council Trade, Industry, Finance, Investment TFA Trade Facilitation Agreement UNCTAD United Nations Conference Trade Development UNCEFACT United Nations Centre Trade Facilitation Electronic Business UNECE United Nations Economic Commission Europe WCO World Customs Organization WTO World Trade Organization https://unctad.sharepoint./DTL/TLB/TFS/Publipresis/2019/2019_NTFCsAsImplementersOfWTOTFA/Study/20200414_NTFCs_Study2020.docx#_Toc37833171 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS vii Executive Summary National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) long . years transformed largely unknown institutional bodies leading governments’ trade facilitation efforts policy agendas cross border trade. small feat. remains adequately position committees drivers trade facilitation measures harness multi- stakeholder potential trade facilitation reforms. Trade Facilitation Bodies formed world 1970s, negotiations entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) common challenges institutional setups trade efforts countries apparent. created urgency strengthening NTFCs world leading coordination mechanism coherent -inclusive trade facilitation policy reforms. multi-stakeholder platform, quickly evident suitably positioned lead coordination trade facilitation efforts countries. Governments -injected fresh energy creation effective functioning NTFCs implementation provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement . NTFCs today leading platform cooperation public agencies private sector stakeholders establishing transparent predictable trading environment. UNCTAD implementing partner countries trade facilitation measures years. regard, lessons learnt engaging NTFCs world experiences basis major studies conducted years. published 2015, National Trade Facilitation Bodies World published 2017, National Trade Facilitation Committees: compliance WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. study, National Trade Facilitation Committees Coordinators Trade Facilitation Reforms, aims updating, building expanding previous studies,. study incorporates research areas including monitoring evaluation, regional integration -commerce context mandate NTFCs. Information 52 countries collected July 2019 September 2019 standardized questionnaire distributed chairpersons secretariats NTFCs world. Analyzing data collected revealed twelve major trends predominant evolution NTFCs world. trends categorized main pillars: institutionalization, functioning, financing NTFCs. 12 major trends National Trade Facilitation Committees National trade facilitation Committees fast evolving meet challenges hand. evident comparing results studies outcome study. comparing results study UNCTAD studies 2015 2017, study sheds light National Trade Facilitation Committees evolving terms mandate, scope, institutional framework composition, , adapting emerging . leading trends elaborated study. Degree Institutionalization Mandate TREND 1: National Trade Facilitation Committees stay. Trade facilitation reforms aim simplifying, harmonising, standardising making trade procedures transparent , , constant endeavour country - activity, giving NTFCs permanent mandate. https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1133 https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1961 https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1961 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS viii , NTFCs considered permanent platforms, coordinating national efforts trade, day, bit cheaper, faster simpler economic prosperity. Understandably, Article 23.2 World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement obliges countries set maintain coordination mechanism support implementation trade facilitation provisions included Agreement. , people coordination bodies purposeless provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. , Chapter 1.1 Mandate Scope Action, affirms NTFCs needed justifiable, developing developed countries alike, TFA fully implemented . role overseeing coordinating trade facilitation reforms framework TFA TFA compliance. mandate nature NTFCs change significantly time remain relevant importance remains. evident evolving role NTFCs ; ratification, categorization implementation provisions WTO TFA. time, work structure NTFC constantly accommodate trade facilitation country. TREND 2: National Trade Facilitation Committees legally established. Legal backing cornerstone protects future NTFC shields dynamics political change governments. Today, majority trade facilitation committees legally set- terms reference. -thirds trade facilitation committees institutionalized governmental level, decision Cabinet Ministers presidential decree. represents 18 percentage points increase legal protection compared state NTFCs 2017 revealed year’ study. , developed countries today, officially set NTFC Ministerial level. puts NTFCs developed countries weaker position: trade facilitation committees coordinating role public agencies, legal basis governmental level result stronger high-level political commitment address potential conflicts interest key stakeholders. TREND 3: Sharing empowering - Multi-chairpersonship frequent NTFCs. data, National Trade Facilitation Committees today opt joint chairpersons leading Committee. big change compared results 2017 survey showed committee opted official -chairpersonship time. Today, National Trade Facilitation Committees -chaired public entities , cases, entities Ministry Trade Customs Authority. natural evolution NTFCs countries increasingly focus implementing concrete provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. TREND 4: Permanent secretariats luxury National Trade Facilitation Committees. response study questionnaire, National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm permanent secretariat process setting . , results revealed aggregate drawback progress. higher number NTFCs reported permanent secretariat 2017 UNCTAD study study. Additionally, average people work secretariat, necessarily full-time job. figure developed countries developed countries. , correlation number people working permanent secretariat level development country. developed country , people needed permanent secretariat. permanent secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committee hosted Ministry Trade. cases, Customs Chamber Commerce charge permanent secretariat. Composition, Scope Functioning TREND 5: National Trade Facilitation Committees broadening scope action. coordination implementation WTO TFA remains core NTFC competencies, NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS ix countries affirmed scope action NTFC broader TFA. UNCTAD’ research shows NTFCs frequently acting donor coordinator trade facilitation initiatives. donor coordination role frequent developed countries (LDCs). mentioned scopes work monitoring implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, advising government making policy recommendations, collecting disseminating information raising awareness trade facilitation. Searching financing partnerships, fundraising maintaining relationship donors development partners cited actions developed countries. , majority NTFCs affirmed contact NTFCs respective regions asserted dealing cross-border -commerce related issues. means countries risks missing opportunity set policy framework growing -commerce ecosystem, concern governments. TREND 6: Specific monitoring evaluation tools National Trade Facilitation Committees increasingly important NTFCs equipped task. countries move implementation WTO TFA provisions, NTFCs’ ability monitor progress report compliance deviations policy intervention critical. data, -quarters National Trade Facilitation Committees affirmed work plan, crucial tool direction basis monitoring evaluation trade facilitation reforms country. corresponds increase 13 percentage points compared 2017 study, confirming , years, National Trade Facilitation Committees -organized understanding role implementation trade facilitation reforms countries. implies play active role coordination implementation specific provisions WTO TFA. National Trade Facilitation Committees developing countries higher probability work plan developed countries effective monitoring evaluation trade facilitation interventions. National Trade Facilitation Committees specific monitoring tools National Trade Facilitation Committees specific tools evaluate work. TREND 7: National Trade Facilitation Committees opting inclusiveness. National Trade Facilitation Committees surveyed, average membership 18 members, 12 participants represent public sector private sector. NTFCs number members increase 2015. trend increasing acknowledgement countries trade facilitation complex requires multi-stakeholder engagement participants public private sectors. average, members NTFC senior staff, middle level staff 10 junior staff. results showed developed country , higher percentage senior staff involved National Trade Facilitation Committee. TREND 8: progress gender mainstreaming National Trade Facilitation Committees 2017. average, approximatively members NTFCs female study data. Compared results UNCTAD previous study subject 2017, significant change registered. Committees gender balanced, rarely led woman. NTFCs developing developed countries chaired -chaired woman. Committees decision action mainstream gender trade facilitation. , significant shift reasons result. 2017, Committees considered gender mainstreaming relevant stage, percentage doubled 2019. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS TREND 9: National Trade Facilitation Committees developing communication tools. communication remains core responsibility NTFCs, National Trade Facilitation Committees affirmed study communication strategy. situation grimmer developed countries Committees communication strategy. NTFCs reported lack financial resources main reason communication strategy lack communication personnel. Communication stakeholders email majority NTFCs Committees report website post communicate information work National Trade Facilitation Committee. TREND 10: work National Trade Facilitation Committees translating concrete positive outcomes. NTFCs study concrete outcomes produced Committee establishment. positive findings corroborate entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement moved countries action, translating efforts measurable outcomes. increase 47 percentage points compared 2017, ratification notifications WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement cited outcome National Trade Facilitation Committees. Additionally, Committees developed implementation plan WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. NTFCs reported National Trade Facilitation Committee contributed negotiation trade trade facilitation agreements. thirds National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm work contributed implementation concrete trade facilitation measures, national single window trade facilitation. impact work NTFCs intangible areas, National Trade Facilitation Committees highlighted NTFCs improvement coordination, transparency dialogue, support raise awareness importance trade facilitation. work Committee contributed mainstreaming trade facilitation national policies countries. long , NTFCs work helped reduce time cost trade improve trade procedures NTFCs reporting significant reduction cost import, export transit. vein, Committees assert work contributed improving business environment traders. Financing Sustainability TREND 11: Budget financial resources National Trade Facilitation Committees scarce. sustainability NTFCs depends, large extent, commitment domestic resources national budget. , common practice developing developed country governments. role domestic resources sustaining NTFC increasingly apparent evident number committees defunct inactive donor support dries , concern governments. Today, NTFCs report budget activities National Trade Facilitation Committee, improvement , proportion NTFCs budget increased percentage points compared results presented UNCTAD 2017 study. situation worsened developed countries, 10 Committees reported budget National Trade Facilitation Committee, corresponds 10 percentage points 2017. Contrary developed developing countries, domestic resources cover 100 cent 77 cent budget committees , developed countries allocate domestic resources work National Trade Facilitation Committee. developed country , higher probability financed developing partner domestic resources. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS xi Generally, countries reporting budget NTFC, claim lack domestic resources financial support donors development partners main contributing factors. TREND 12: concrete outcomes produced, sustainability NTFCs remains stake. beginning National Trade Facilitation Bodies, institutional sustainability critical difficult. practices trade facilitation bodies based deliverables temporary basis longer hold, time . WTO TFA provision NTFCs trade facilitation coordination mechanisms temporal vanishing bodies central national trade facilitation reforms crucial effective cooperation countries multilateral system. nature, purpose structure NTFCs change significantly time, , , flexibility adapt change key element remaining relevant business government, existence functioning increasingly relevant. survey asked chairpersons 52 National Trade Facilitation Committees rate, scale 0 100, extent considered NTFC sustainable time. average answer score 68. number WTO Member States obliged international law today establish maintain mechanism. , correlation level development country level sustainability NTFC. scale 0 100, developed countries rated sustainability Committees 90, figure decreased 70 developing countries dropped 57 developed countries. main factors contributing sustainability NTFCs survey response: 1) commitment participation NTFCs’ members; 2) financial assistance adequate resources; 3) high level support political buy-, , 4) involvement private sector. National Trade Facilitation Committees highlighted lack funding resources greatest obstacle sustainability Committee. case NTFC developed countries. lack awareness importance NTFC understanding trade facilitation mentioned obstacles. Resistance change lack political buy- position. Absenteeism issues motivation NTFC members, coupled incorrect representation frequent replacement members mentioned approximately Committees. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 1 Introduction 2014, UNCTAD undertaking quantitative research National Trade Facilitation Committees based existing country cases, gathered UNCTAD’ online repository National Trade Facilitation Committees (https://unctad.org/tfc). basis data analyzed, UNCTAD published National Trade Facilitation Bodies World 2015, National Trade Facilitation Committees: Compliance WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, 2017. insights gathered publications, UNCTAD improved methodology standardized research approach. National Trade Facilitation Committees Coordinators Trade Facilitation Reforms builds results previous NTFC studies includes research areas, monitoring evaluation, implications regional integration - commerce mandate National Trade Facilitation Committees. Chapter 1 analysis trade facilitation committees, diving mandate scopes action, institutional frameworks, composition, gender mainstreaming policies, communication promotion activities, budget financial resources, concrete outcomes reached Committees. Chapter 2 presents main contributors obstacles sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees. Scope methodology study considers information 52 country cases collected July 2019 September 2019 standardized questionnaire developed UNCTAD distributed chairpersons secretariats NTFCs world. countries study necessarily countries included UNCTAD studies 2015 2017 , , trend comparisons carefully formulated. Table 1: List trade facilitation committees considered region Africa Americas Europe Botswana Cameroon Comoros ôte 'Ivoire Democratic Republic Congo Djibouti Eswatini Gabon Ghana Liberia Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Sudan Togo Zambia Zimbabwe Antigua Barbuda Colombia Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guatemala Guyana Paraguay Saint Kitts Nevis Saint Vincent Grenadines Suriname Trinidad Tobago Uruguay Croatia France Montenegro Netherlands Serbia Switzerland Asia Oceania Bhutan India Kyrgyzstan Lao' People Republic Malaysia Pakistan Turkey Vietnam Yemen Papua Guinea Samoa Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. https://unctad.org/tfc https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1133 https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1133 https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1961 https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1961 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 2 permission publication granted, country cases reviewed online repository, information 140 trade facilitation bodies. UNCTAD continues collect country cases, repository regularly updated expanded. 2019, 40 countries cases uploaded updated. repository English, French Spanish. functions idiosyncrasy trade facilitation bodies vary widely “ view geographical distribution economic cultural differences” (UNCTAD, 2006). geographical distribution countries considered study determining factor. instance, African American regions represented data set. reflected Table 1, 42 cent (22 countries) African NTFCs, 25 cent American (13 countries), 17 cent (9 countries) Asian, 12 cent (6 countries) European 4 cent (2 countries) Oceania. level development countries key understand functions institutional framework National Trade Facilitation Committee. trade facilitation bodies analyzed, 65 cent (34 countries) developing countries 27 cent (14 countries) developed countries. Developed countries underrepresented sample 8 cent (4 countries). National Trade Facilitation Committees entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement National Trade Facilitation Bodies existed 1950s1, entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement creation maintenance NTFC mandatory WTO members. Article 23.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement obliges countries set maintain coordination mechanism support implementation trade facilitation provisions included Agreement. inclusion Article acknowledges importance coordination cooperation relevant stakeholders implementing trade facilitation reforms. National Trade Facilitation Committees key role monitoring implementing trade facilitation, provide efficient platform engage consult private sector. contributes implementation Article 2.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement consultations, WTO Members , , provide regular consultations border agencies traders. WTO Members obliged officially notify WTO Trade Facilitation Committee mechanisms ensuring implementation Article 23.2 Article 2.2. Article 23.2, countries encouraged, , send contact details focal point National Trade Facilitation 1 comprehensive review history National Trade Facilitation Bodies UNCTAD 2015: National Trade Facilitation Bodies World Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Figure 1: Sample study level development NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 3 Committee WTO. 22 January 2020, 79 WTO Member States information WTO. , developed countries : Italy Switzerland.2 2010, UNCTAD gathering updating comprehensive data National Trade Facilitation Bodies world. January 2020, 140 country cases UNCTAD Repository National Trade Facilitation Committees. 2019, 40 countries information updated UNCTAD’ database. Country cases English, French Spanish. contact details Committees, database presents information NTFCs’ mandate scope action; institutional framework; composition; gender mainstreaming, communication key stakeholders; financing technical assistance; concrete operational outcomes impacts. Figure 2 presents unique chronology creation National Trade Facilitation Bodies 60 years, based information UNCTAD’ repository. shown graph, 34 NTFCs created Bali Ministerial Declaration December 2013 14 entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement 22 February 2017. Figure 2: Year creation existing Trade Facilitation Bodies Source: UNCTAD, based data online repository National Trade Facilitation Committees, http://unctad.org/tfc. systematically comparing results UNCTAD studies published 2015 2017 gathered 2019, publication illustrates National Trade Facilitation Committees changing time, adapting realities imposed obligation implement WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. 2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility, https://www.tfafacility.org/contact-points--profiles, data retrieved 22 January 2020. https://unctad.org/tfc https://unctad.org/tfc http://unctad.org/tfc https://www.tfafacility.org/contact-points--profiles NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 4 1 Analysis key elements Trade Facilitation Committees chapter comparative analysis existing National Trade Facilitation Committees, focusing main aspects: 1) mandate scope action; 2) institutional framework; 3) composition; 4) gender mainstreaming, 5) communication key stakeholders; 6) budget financial resources; 7) concrete outcomes achieved NTFCs. 1.1 Mandate Scope Action section key aspects mandate National Trade Facilitation Committees monitoring WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, donor coordination, concrete scopes action, regional integration cross-border -commerce. 1.1.1 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement core NTFC focus Article 23.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement obliges countries set maintain coordination mechanism support implementation trade facilitation provisions included Agreement. , National Trade Facilitation Committees considered essential bodies successful implementation trade facilitation reforms 1960s, long entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. WTO TFA reduced NTFCs mere coordinators implementation Provisions Agreement completely. coordination implementation WTO TFA core NTFC focus, countries (37 cent) affirm scope action broader TFA. 13 cent countries report scope work National Trade Facilitation Committee strictly limited implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. UNCTAD’ survey, countries asked rate scale 1 5 (1 meaning "work limited WTO TFA"; 5 means "work broader WTO TFA") extent scope work NTFC limited issues related WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. average answer question 3.5 shown Figure 3. extent National Trade Facilitation Committees fulfilling role donor coordinators coordinators implementation Provisions Agreement, National Trade Facilitation Committees developing developed countries recommended fulfil role donor coordinator context trade facilitation reforms. countries figure official national donor coordinator officially exists, recommended () regular member NTFC. UNCTAD’ research shows 38 cent NTFCs frequently act donor coordinator trade facilitation initiatives. figure corresponds 33 cent developing countries 53 cent developed countries. developed countries require, general, assistance developing countries, concluded , technical assistance country , higher probability National Trade Facilitation Committees assumed role donor coordinator. Figure 3: extent scope work NTFC limited issues related WTO TFA (1 meaning "work limited WTO TFA"; 5 means "work broader WTO TFA") Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 5 1.1.2 Concrete scopes action NTFC Analyzing scope action National Trade Facilitation Committees understand nature activities undertaken Committees evolve time. line function National Trade Facilitation Committees Article 23.2 WTO TFA, 71 cent committees affirm frequently monitor implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement ( Figure 4). result optimistic developed countries, 57 cent report NTFC frequently fulfil role. NTFCs (37 cent) affirm monitor technical assistance projects programmes ( WTO TFA). Advising government making recommendations (69 cent committees) frequent scope action. specific types advisory activities worth mentioning: advise promote international trade facilitation standards trade facilitation reforms (67 cent) advice legal (40 cent). shown Figure 4, probability NTFC providing frequently advice recommendations type government, higher developing countries developed countries. due level maturity Committee , legitimacy advisory body governmental structure / profile members participating Committee . total 60 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm frequently collect, disseminate information raise awareness trade facilitation. total 44 cent NTFCs report organize training capacity building sessions assistance development partners. instance, NTFC Croatia organizes dozen workshops yearly, cooperation Customs, educate key stakeholders aspects trade facilitation, part 20 years program "Trade Transport facilitation". Searching financing partnerships, fundraising maintaining relationship donors implementation agencies cited action developed countries (64 cent), representing 18 percentage points average. explained UNCTAD 2016 study trade facilitation development, developed countries “tend share aid assigned trade facilitation, competing demands investment health, education infrastructure”. , searching financial support efforts developing countries. Additionally, start base, investment needed compared developing countries developed countries “ absorption capacity comprehensive technical assistance programmes, institutional reforms required implement complex trade facilitation measures”. scopes action mentioned National Trade Facilitation Committees include: • Consultations private sector, view implementing Article 2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. • Support implementation specific trade facilitation reforms, initiatives require robust coordination agencies, single window. • Coordination discussion cross sectoral issues affect cross-border trade, -Tariff Measures transport transit corridors. UNCTAD 2017 study: “ defining broad scope action beginning, National Trade Facilitation Committees flexible promptly adapt international/regional agreements priorities bring future. essential sustainability NTFC NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 6 years”. broad scope action India , addition coordinating activities, monitors infrastructure projects related seaports airports. https://unctad.org/en/DTL/TLB/Pages/TF/Committees/detail.aspxcountry= 7 Fi gu 4 : pe io na ra de ac ili ta tio itt ee ur ce : CT AD , ed sw er ec ei ve CT AD su rv ey irc ul ed fr om Ju ly ep te 2 01 9. pl : 5 2 tr Sa pl pe ev el ev el op en : de ve lo pi ng ou nt rie ( 34 ), le ev el op ed ou nt rie ( 14 ). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 7 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 8 1.1.3 Regional integration bilateral relations entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement discouraged increased inclusion provisions related customs trade facilitation Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). RTAs notified World Trade Organization include commitments matters, reflecting growing importance trade facilitation regional level. shown UNCTAD 2011 study Trade Facilitation Regional Trade Agreements, RTAs focus customs procedures include measures related “transparency, simplification harmonization trade documents, coordination border agencies, business community”. context, National Trade Facilitation Committees support coordination Provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement include mandate trade facilitation related provisions included existing future Regional Trade Agreements. illustrated Figure 5, 84 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees report considered regional integration, extent, work Committee. majority NTFCs (52 cent) affirm contact NTFCs respective region. positive correlation level development country probability contact NTFCs region. , 75 cent developed countries report contact NTFCs region, figure drops 56 cent developing countries 36 cent developed countries. Figure 5: Regional integration part scope National Trade Facilitation Committees Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 50 countries. fact, regional economic Communities contacts NTFCs regular, greater efficiency performance intra-regional trade observed. Examples East African Community(EAC) ( Box 1) , Economic Community West African States (ECOWAS) CARICOM illustrate benefits regional integration cooperation NTFCs hold regular contacts concrete steps coordinate trade facilitation efforts nationally regionally. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 9 Box 1: Role East African Community Secretariat coordination NTFCs East African Community Secretariat strong leadership trade facilitation. integrated Regional Economic Community Africa composed Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania Uganda), EAC lies Customs Union (2004), Common Market (2009) Single Customs Territory (2014) making trade priority EAC boundaries international markets. December 2018, EAC Partner States adopted EAC Ministerial Declaration Trade Facilitation, Nairobi, Kenya, stating “agree advance trade facilitation agenda EAC countries regional Protocols strong political commitment implement decisions trade facilitation intra-regional trade”. role NTFCs acknowledged “main vehicle trade facilitation process national level. NTFCs coordinating entities charge implementation trade facilitation measures”. recognition importance trade facilitation NTFCs implemented regional level adoption EAC -Regional Committee Trade Facilitation decision EAC Sectoral Council Trade, Industry, Finance, Investment (SCTIFI) 2015, ensure coordination national trade facilitation reforms implementation regional trade facilitation action plan. EAC -Committee Trade Facilitation meets year discuss implementation regional action plan informed initiatives NTFCs EAC Partner State. , EAC Committee recommends directives trade facilitation adopted EAC SCTIFI, led Ministers responsible mandates. addition, Customs Trade Directorate regular basis Heads NTFCs issues ensuring smooth implementation Single Customs Territory trade facilitation reforms, WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. instance, leadership EAC Secretariat EAC Partner States decided notify TFA category time 2015 measures common implemented countries. March 2020, EAC Partner States ratified notified TFA, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda Uganda. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 10 EAC regional coordination policy guidance determining factor EAC trade performances (EAC intra-regional exports 20.37 cent EAC total exports 20183, highest Africa). UNCTAD, main partners trade facilitation EAC, providing technical assistance 2015 EAC Secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committees region, financial support Deutsche Gesellschaft ü Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) (205- 2016) TradeMark East Africa (2017 – 2021). 1.1.4 -Commerce increasing interest trade facilitation cross-border -Commerce , UNCTAD estimates 2015, accounted $189 billion B2C - commerce, 7 cent total B2C - commerce (UNCTAD 2017). type -Commerce forecasted grow “ 25 cent annually 2020 – growth rate domestic - commerce. 2020, expected account US$900bn Gross Merchandise , translating roughly 22 cent share global -commerce market.”4 implementing WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, measures benefit - Commerce perspective. “ , trade facilitation reforms designed implemented including processes relevant - Commerce. Reforms assignment resources account increase number (smaller) shipments, opposed large- scale shipments”. 5 3 UNCTADStat 2019 4 International Post Corporation (2017), State -commerce: global outlook 2016-21, https://www.ipc./services/market- research/-commerce-market-insights/-commerce-articles/global-ecommerce-figures-2017, accessed 30 January 2020 5Article . 27 [UNCTAD Transport Trade Facilitation Newsletter °80 - Fourth Quarter 2018], WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement enabler -Commerce, https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspxOriginalVersionID=1958, accessed 30 January 2020 Figure 6: NTFC decision action facilitate cross-border -commerce Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. https://www.ipc./services/market-research/-commerce-market-insights/-commerce-articles/global-ecommerce-figures-2017 https://www.ipc./services/market-research/-commerce-market-insights/-commerce-articles/global-ecommerce-figures-2017 https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspxOriginalVersionID=1958 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 11 National Trade Facilitation Committees potential key players contribute reaping full benefits unfolding digital revolution – including rise -commerce. , observed public agencies promoting -commerce initiatives necessarily represented National Trade Facilitation Committees. , surprise 1 5 National Trade Facilitation Committees (23 cent) report decision action facilitate cross border -commerce. instance, countries reported held discussions training sessions subject scope work National Trade Facilitation Committee, simplified procedures cross- border -commerce single window. National Trade Facilitation Committees decisions actions related cross-border -commerce named reasons , shown Figure 7. NTFCs (36 cent) considered cross-border -commerce mandate NTFC, 28 cent committees claim lack awareness relationship cross-border -commerce trade facilitation. NTFCs cross-border -commerce relevant stage (23 cent), priority (13 cent). 1.1.5 Mandate scope action NTFCs developed countries explained Introduction, level development countries key understand functions institutional framework National Trade Facilitation Committees. , due level representation developed countries study (4 52 countries total), analyze results qualitative quantitative approach. Article 23.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement obliges WTO Members “establish / maintain National Trade Facilitation Committee designate existing mechanism facilitate domestic coordination implementation provisions Agreement”. interpreting Agreement, : NTFC supposed provisions Agreement place, instance developed countries countries notified implemented provisions Agreement, maintain coordination mechanism possibilities simplify, harmonise, standardise trade procedures transparent, technologies improve trade procedures emerge. , implementation provisions Agreement require periodic review , , NTFCs key ensuring domestic coordination process, : Creating transparent procedures requires constant effort. National Trade Facilitation Committees crucial ensure implementation provisions aimed creating transparent trade procedures (included, instance, Article 1 WTO TFA) continuous -shot exercise. coming years, import, export transit laws, regulations procedures expected change emerge trading community, application enabling technologies Figure 7: NTFC decisions actions related cross-border -commerce Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 12 challenges faced public administration. , key body oversees information published internet ( required Article 1 WTO TFA) constantly updated stakeholders. role assumed NTFC. Simplification, Standardisation Harmonisation dynamic concepts. Article 6.1.4 states “ Member periodically review fees charges view reducing number diversity, practicable” Article 10.1 obliges WTO Members review formalities documentation requirements “ view minimizing incidence complexity import, export, transit formalities decreasing simplifying import, export, transit documentation requirements account legitimate policy objectives factors changed circumstances, relevant information, business practices, availability techniques technology, international practices inputs interested parties”. means revision place regularly occurring intervals NTFC oversee domestic coordination revision. UNCTAD supporting National Trade Facilitation Committees efforts simplify trade procedures, ensuring implementation Article 1.2 Information Internet. Box 2: Boosting NTFCs’ capacity simplify procedures utilization trade information portals Trade Facilitation means simplifying trade procedures clear, easily accessible description trade procedures step facilitating trade. trade operators, procedures simpler mere fact steps, requirements contacts . national authorities, good understanding existing procedures precondition simplification policy. transparency import, export transit procedures commitment expected signatories WTO TFA ( article 1.2 information internet). UNCTAD, countries collaboration ITC, helping governments Kenya, Rwanda, Tajikistan Mali develop trade information portals (TIP) based UNCTAD’ eRegulations system. portals enable governments provide traders online precise descriptions trade procedures (permit, licenses, clearance) step--step. making clear interacting government required find information, systems empowering National Trade Facilitation Committees easily evaluate necessity requirements involved, roll effective programs simplify automate trade procedures. https://infotradekenya..ke/ https://rwandatrade.rw/ https://tajtrade.tj/=en http://mali.tradeportal.org/ https://businessfacilitation.org/eregulations/ NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 13 Kenya Trade Information Portal (infotradekenya..ke) Summary export tea procedure Kenya countries Trade Portals, NTFCs, designated coordinating entities trade facilitation, effective drivers simplification process country level : NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 14 - Step 1: NTFC sets objectives simplification create working group: NTFC meets decides priority objective() simplification (. “ simplify exportation tea”). time, NTFC constitutes ad hoc Working Group6 (WG) collaborate team developing tangible realistic proposals simplification objective. NTFC notifies NTFC Steering Committee (SC) relevant agencies decision(), timeframe WG composition. - Step 2. Working groups develop proposals simplification submit NTFC: WG’ main tool detect measures estimate impact procedure countries’ national TIP analysis simplification objective easy identification redundancies, bottlenecks, quick access forms, requirements, fees, legal justifications step procedure. WG prepares simplification report lists, explains rationale simplification measure impact procedure. - Step 3: Proposals presented NTFC stakeholders: NTFC Secretariat assesses validates simplification measures recommends presentation NTFC Steering Committee heads institutions involved procedure. - Step 4: Proposals approved NTFC Steering Committee: NTFC SC assesses measures, decides implementation timeframe. - Step 5: Implementation monitoring: Monitoring facilitated simplification dashboards part TIPs NTFC track progress Key Performance Indicators implementing agreed measures. 6 WG constituted senior managers institutions role procedure / intricate knowledge procedure member NTFC Secretariat. include: () Members TIP teams; (ii) Relevant representative private sector. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 15 methodological approach strengthens ability NTFCs oversee broad scale simplification programs drive meaningful organizational change encouraging trade supporting institutions transform organizations control organizations facilitation embracing principles user- oriented services, transparency simplification. regular ongoing functions included Article 10.3 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement , WTO members “ encouraged relevant international standards parts thereof basis import, export transit formalities procedures”. NTFC responsible identifying existing relevant international standards providing recommendations agencies implementation feasible advisable. countries, NTFCs instrument enabling implementation Article 2.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Article obliges Member States “provide regular consultations border agencies traders stakeholders located territory”. , NTFC constitute permanent platform ensure private-public dialogue. NTFCs developed countries rarely fulfil role donor coordinator. traditional providers aid trade, developed countries mechanisms place deliver financial support technical cooperation field trade facilitation. Articles 22.1 22.2 TFA, developed countries obliged notify WTO Trade Facilitation Committee “information assistance support capacity building disbursed preceding 12 months , , committed 12 months” “ contact points agencies responsible providing assistance support capacity building information process mechanisms requesting assistance support capacity building”. obligations, quick WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement database7 shows , cases, donor members requested information. due lack clarity organisation donor member supposed provide information. countries, trade facilitation support developing developed countries scattered agencies ministries. body centralising requests technical assistance field reporting exist. , coordination collection information challenging task. , strong NTFC ensure coordination. case National Trade Facilitation Committees developed countries included sample, reported frequently collect disseminate information related trade facilitation. , cited scope action developed countries sample. 7 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement database: https://tfadatabase.org/ (accessed 10 February 2020) https://tfadatabase.org/ NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 16 Figure 8: Scope action NTFCs developed countries Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 4 countries. NTFCs developed countries reported advise promote implementation international trade facilitation standards trade facilitation reforms. Monitoring implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, provide advice recommendations Government organise training sessions capacity building part scope developed countries included sample. surveyed NTFCs considered extent regional integration work National Trade Facilitation Committee. , affirm contact Committees respective region. Finally, committees included sample, reported decision action related -commerce issues. instance, countries reported discussions training sessions subject scope work National Trade Facilitation Committee. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 17 1.2 Institutional framework key aspects institutional framework trade facilitation committees considered section: degree institutionalization; existence terms reference; work plan, monitoring evaluation; role coordinating agency, chairpersonship permanent secretariat regularity frequency meetings. 1.2.1 Degree institutionalization 1970s recommendations National Trade Facilitation Committees published United Nations Economic Commission Europe (UNECE), United Nations agencies strong advocators providing NTFCs solid institutionalization legal backing, entailing high-level political commitment, strong participation members prevention conflicts interest parties involved. previously mentioned, entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement creates legal obligation WTO member states establish maintain National Trade Facilitation Committee. Agreement require WTO members provide legal backing NTFCs domestic law, study shows vast majority (92 cent) trade facilitation committees officially institutionalized. Data show slightly higher probability lack institutionalization developed countries compared developing countries ( Figure 9). explained UNCTAD 2017 study: “ WTO Member State decide degree institutionalization beneficial trade facilitation committee based administrative culture political priorities.” instance, countries explained institutionalization Committees Parliamentary Act. UNCTAD 2017 study, responses questionnaire regrouped categories based level authority approved creation Committee, : governmental; 8 ministerial; institutionalized . results show trade facilitation committees (69 cent) considered study institutionalized governmental level, instance, decision Cabinet Ministers presidential decree. represents 18 percentage points increase compared results obtained 2017. , 25 cent NTFCs, compared 41 cent 2017, opted 8 governmental level includes decisions level single ministry, , decisions involve entire executive branch ministry, including decisions Council Cabinet Ministers, presidential decree, . Figure 9: NTFC officially set Results level development Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample level development: developing countries (33), developed countries (12). Established : Established : NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 18 institutionalize Committee decision decree ministerial level. majority developing countries. fact, 21 cent developing countries officially set NTFC ministerial level compared 42 cent NTFCs developed countries. puts NTFCs developed countries weaker position: trade facilitation committees coordinating role public agencies, legal basis governmental level result stronger high-level political commitment address potential conflicts interest key stakeholders. 1.2.2 Terms reference UNCTAD 2015 study, “terms reference document sets basis common understanding parties involved trade facilitation body. ideal situation, terms reference include objectives committee, scope action working structure, . document created consultation validated members group, setting basis building trust dialogue group”. shown Figure 10, trade facilitation committees considered study (87 cent) defined terms reference. represents increase 23 percentage points compared UNCTAD 2017 study. NTFCs developed countries developed terms reference, cited reason lack knowledge draft terms reference. Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. Figure 10: NTFC Terms Reference NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 19 1.2.3 Work plan, monitoring evaluation Work plan work plan key factor ensuring successful implementation trade facilitation reforms. shown Figure 11, 75 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm work plan. corresponds increase 13 percentage points compared UNCTAD 2017 study, confirming , years, National Trade Facilitation Committees assumed active role coordination implementation specific provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. National Trade Facilitation Committees developing countries higher probability work plan developed countries. National Trade Facilitation Committees work plan, (50 cent) reported due lack - develop . Committees affirm work plan, asked timeframe. shown Figure 12, NTFCs (44 cent) yearly work plans 25 cent choose quarterly work plans. worth noticing developed countries tend prefer shorter planning periods timeframes year . NTFCs developing countries, hand, planning periods longer year. Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. Sample level development: developing countries (34), developed countries (14). Figure 11: NTFC work plan NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 20 Figure 12: Timeframe work plan National Trade Facilitation Committees Monitoring evaluation Monitoring defined ongoing process stakeholders obtain regular feedback progress achieving set goals objectives. Evaluation intermittent terminal assessment activity, project, programme, strategy, policy, sector, operational area, institution, , systematic impartial manner aimed improving outcomes. Implementing trade facilitation reforms requires planning coordination, involves government agencies collaboration private sector. place busy reform processes tight schedules short deadlines, political pressure legal obligations. Monitoring evaluation track simultaneously, providing tools methods efficient coordinated approach implementation trade reforms context WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. helps identify setbacks. Monitoring evaluation tools National Trade Facilitation Committees spot problems implementation process find solutions undertake correctional measures time. Monitoring evaluation obtaining funding international partners. Funding opportunities trade facilitation reforms exist, competition fierce donor space. international funding requires project proposals include monitoring evaluation framework, Result-Based Management planning reporting tools, independent evaluation, large projects . Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 32 countries. Sample level development: developing countries (23), developed countries (8). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 21 survey basis study, UNCTAD asked chairpersons 52 National Trade Facilitation Committees rate, scale 0 100, extent considered NTFC fulfilling role monitoring evaluating implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. average answer score 62, dropped 47 case developed countries. number WTO Member States obliged international law establish maintain National Trade Facilitation Committee coordinate implementation Agreement. result corroborates findings scope action NTFCs previously analized ( page 5), 71 cent NTFCs affirm frequently monitor implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. monitoring tools National Trade Facilitation Committees total 19 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees specific monitoring tools. NTFCs affirm monitoring tools, frequent consultations stakeholders (51 cent) monitoring plan indicators (34 cent). NTFCs (15 cent) baselines targets monitoring tools. Forty cent National Trade Facilitation Committees specific tools evaluate work. Committees affirm evaluation tools, 55 cent focus groups 24 cent surveys distributed NTFC trade facilitation stakeholders. work NTFCs (21 cent) undergoes independent - party assessment. 1.2.4 Chairpersonship Chairperson important role play National Trade Facilitation Committee. / main duties include chairing meetings Committee, setting meeting agendas aligned NTFC priorities , conjunction NTFC Secretariat. Contributions members NTFC included preparation meetings. () leadership NTFC. explained detail Figure 13, key qualities chairperson NTFC : 1. Ability chair meetings 2. Understanding trade facilitation 3. Ability influence , imposing ideas, 4. Good communication challenge find good chairpersons, coupled transversal complex nature trade facilitation, surprise National Trade Facilitation Committees (37 cent) opted simultaneous chairpersons leading Committee. significant change compared results UNCTAD survey 2017. , Committee opted official - chairpersonship. Nowadays, National Trade Facilitation Committees (31 cent) - Figure 13: Types chairpersonship National Trade Facilitation Committee Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 22 chaired public entities , 21 cent cases, entities Ministry Trade Customs Authority. natural move NTFCs countries progressively focusing implementation concrete provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. rise -chairpersonship National Trade Facilitation Committees, total 63 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees report single chairpersonship. 2017, Ministry Trade led Committee 70 cent cases, 40 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees affirmed Ministry Trade holds chairpersonship NTFC. results Customs Authorities remain constant compared 2017, 12 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees led . private sector involved leadership National Trade Facilitation Committees ten NTFCs. Private sector institutions, Chamber Commerce, hold chairpersonship National Trade Facilitation Committee cases specific developed countries, representing cent NTFCs. addition , business community involved -chairpersonship cent National Trade Facilitation Committees. 23 Bo 3: ey ua lit ef fe ct iv ch ai rp er io na ra de ac ili ta tio itt ee NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 23 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION RFORMS 24 1.2.5 Permanent secretariat UNCTAD 2017 study, permanent secretariat “office role send invitations, prepare agenda, prepare meeting minutes, reports, ”. implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement translates concrete reform projects, permanent secretariat essential ensure NTFC fulfilling role coordinator trade facilitation reforms. National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm permanent secretariat (58 cent) process setting (13 cent). figures represent setback UNCTAD 2017 study, 71 cent NTFCs affirmed permanent secretariat. average, people working permanent secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committee, necessarily full-time job . figure developed countries developed countries. , correlation number people needed permanent secretariat level development country. developed country , people working permanent secretariat. reasons explaining fact developed countries , general, trade facilitation measures implemented countries9. , support coordinate trade facilitation reforms. shown Figure 14, permanent secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committees hosted integrated Ministry Trade (73 cent). cases, Customs Authorities (13 cent) Chamber Commerce (6 cent) charge permanent secretariat. Results show , developed country , higher probability Ministry Trade hosting permanent secretariat. (55 cent) NTFC report permanent secretariat, specific budget . Domestic resources financing permanent secretariats 29 cent NTFCs, donors developing partners financing 24 cent . contribution private sector minimal. permanent secretariat developed country claimed receive funds private sector. worth mentioning domestic resources dedicated permanent secretariats developed countries. , 67 cent secretariats budget, NTFCs countries financed donors developing partners. lack financial resources cited main reason (75 cent Committees) permanent secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committee. lack human resources hindering permanent secretariat 17 cent cases. NTFC reports lack political support obstructing creation permanent secretariat. 9 20 January 2020, developed countries notified 24.6 cent provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Committees category (measure implemented), compared 59.7 cent developing countries. Developed countries requested provisions implemented time WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement entered force, meaning 22 February 2017. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 25 Figure 14: Key statistics permanent secretariats NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 26 1.2.6 Regularity frequency meetings WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, National Trade Facilitation Committees support domestic coordination implementation Provisions Agreement. regular meetings implicit description role nature functions NTFC. total 73 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees meet regularly. developed countries difficulties ensure regularity meetings, NTFCs (36 cent) position meet regularly. Committees confirm regularity meetings asked frequency meetings. Results corroborate trends observed UNCTAD 2015 2017 studies: majority NTFCs (58 cent) meet quarterly basis ( Figure 15). frequency specially preferred developed countries (86 cent). developing countries meet quarterly basis (52 cent), NTFCs (30 cent) countries tend meet months. Figure 15: Frequency meetings National Trade Facilitation Committees Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 36 countries. Sample level development: developing countries (27), developed countries (7). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 27 1.2.7 Institutional framework NTFCs developed countries explained , developed countries underrepresented study 52 countries included sample. developed countries situated Europe. limited sample, analyze results qualitative quantitative approach. countries considered, Committees officially institutionalized , formally established decision decree governmental level. committees affirm terms reference work plan. claim lack terms reference due lack agreement members NTFC, work plan considered . committees work plans, opted yearly work plans. chairpersonship NTFC led private sector Committees considered. committees -chaired Ministry Trade Customs Authorities, chaired Customs Authorities. fact , 52 NTFCs answered survey, private sector institutions hold chairpersonship developed countries suggest higher degree trust private public sectors developed countries, compared developing developed countries. result years existing dialogue institutionalised platforms mechanisms, ensuring participation involvement private sector trade facilitation reforms. countries permanent secretariat. secretariat hosted Ministry Trade, Customs Chamber Commerce. cases, financed domestic resources, , permanent secretariat sponsored private sector. countries, permanent secretariat includes person, country case, persons work secretariat. country reports permanent secretariat explained considered priority National Trade Facilitation Committee. committees developed countries considered sample meet regularly. committees meet regularly, meet annually quarterly. 1.3 Composition part study analyses members National Trade Facilitation Committees, specially focusing representation public private institutions. level seniority representatives NTFC. 1.3.1 Public-private representation explained UNCTAD 2017: “Trade Facilitation transversal issue. means trade facilitation reform initiative impact sectors. , impact unintended foreseen stakeholders consulted involved beginning design implementation reforms. , essential composition National Trade Facilitation Committee based principle inclusiveness.” public agencies involved National Trade Facilitation Committee. Trust fruitful dialogue private private sectors key successful development implementation trade facilitation reforms. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 28 National Trade Facilitation Committees surveyed, average membership 18 members, 12 participants represent public sector private sector. shown Figure 17, NTFCs number members increase 2015. trend result countries acknowledging complex nature trade facilitation, transversal issue participation sectors public private community. Figure 17: Average number members NTFCs - 2015 2019 Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 49 countries. Sample level development: developing countries (32), developed countries (13). research analyzed depth members National Trade Facilitation Committees. diverse institutions named NTFCs survey, regrouped categories, presented Figure 18 Figure 19. hand, public institutions trade facilitation committee average represented : Agriculture, Livestock Environment (20.6 cent), Trade Economy (17.5 cent), Transport, Communication Infrastructure (17.5 cent members public sector), Finance Revenue, including Customs (11.9 cent), Internal affairs (4.8 cent), Health (4.5 cent) Foreign international Affairs (3.6 cent) General services (5 cent), Standards (3.6 cent), Central Figure 16: Average number public private members National Trade Facilitation Committee Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 49 countries. Sample level development: developing countries (32), developed countries (13). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 29 Bank (1 cent), Science Technology, (0.9 cent). public institutions represented 6.9 cent members. hand, private institutions trade facilitation committee average represented : Traders Traders Associations (52.6 cent members private sector), Transportation Service Providers (29.6 cent), Banks Insurances (1.7 cent ), Consumers (1.4 cent), Universities (0.4 cent). private institutions represented 12.7 cent members. worth mentioning results study similar UNCTAD 2017 study. 30 Fi gu 1 8: em rs io na ra de ac ili ta tio itt ee sf ro pu bl ic riv en tit ur ce : CT AD , ed sw er ec ei ve CT AD su rv ey irc ul ed fr om Ju ly ep te 2 01 9. Sa pl : 5 0 tr . Tr ad er Tr ad er ci io ns ( ha om er ce tr , ha ag ric ul tu , ha es , xp ve st en ro ot io , tr ad , im po rt er , pp er , po rt er , tr ad er er ch ts , sin gl en te rp ris es bu sin es se , uf ac tu rs ) Tr sp ta tio Se rv ic Pr ov id er (tr sp ci io ns , ra ns po rt er , au ot iv tr uc ow ne rs , ow ne rs , og ist ic , ca rr rs , ig ht ar de rs , br er , cl ea rin ag en ts , irl es , irp ut ho rit , ts ar bo ur , nt ai ne er al , te rm al op er , ar eh ou se en st ev ed es ) ns um er ni ve rs iti es Ba nk su ra nc es er Ag ric ul tu , iv es ck nv iro nm en ( fis rie , li ve st oc , er ar , fo od , la nt ro te ct io pe st tr ol , nv iro nm en ) Tr sp , ic io fr tr uc tu ( ir tr sp irp , la tr sp , ar iti tr sp , po rt , pp ) Fi na nc ve nu , cl ud Cu st om te rn al ffa irs ( io na ec ur ity , ig ra tio ) Tr ad Ec om (tr ad du st ry , nv es tm en , ec om de ve lo pm en , po rt ) en er al er vi ce ( ca bi ne ffi ce , tic / le ga , st ist ic ) Fo ig te rn io na ffa irs (fo ig , gi al , nt er na tio na ffa irs ) al Sc nc Te ch lo gy St da er NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 30 31 Fi gu 1 9: em rs io na ra de ac ili ta tio itt ee ro pu bl ic riv en tit er le ve ev el op en NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 31 32 ur ce : CT AD , ed sw er ec ei ve CT AD su rv ey irc ul ed fr om Ju ly ep te 2 01 9. pl : 5 0 tr . NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 32 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 33 1.3.2 Level seniority members shown UNCTAD 2017 study, main obstacles National Trade Facilitation Committees incorrect representation members frequent replacement: “ decision-making body, essential NTFCs people sitting table meeting. means, members Committees knowledgeable staff private public institutions, fulfil representative function contribute meaningfully debates decisions behalf organizations”. work National Trade Facilitation Committees moves actual implementation provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, discussions NTFC meetings quickly detailed oriented technical. , senior representatives decide send middle level staff represent organisation Committee meetings. slow decision-making process National Trade Facilitation Committee, middle-level staff entrusted supervisors decisions behalf organisation meetings. shown Figure 20, average composition NTFC includes 55 cent senior staff, 33 cent middle level staff 12 cent junior staff. Results shown developed country , higher percentage senior staff involved National Trade Facilitation Committee. 47 cent representatives NTFC senior developed countries, compared 58 cent developing countries 63 cent developed countries. lack participation senior staff mid-term hinder progress Committee, members assisting meetings position decisions , , full power represent speak behalf organizations. 1.4 Gender mainstreaming United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 aims achieving gender equality empowering women girls. coordinators trade facilitation reforms implementation trade facilitation standards policies, important National Trade Facilitation Committees gender-sensitive bodies. words, respond interests women men remove barriers women fulfilling potential economic operators public private sectors. National Trade Facilitation Committees gender balanced . average, 37 cent members NTFCs female. Figure 21: Average gender distribution National Trade Facilitation Committees Figure 20: Level seniority members National Trade Facilitation Committee Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 34 Compared UNCTAD previous study subject 2017, significant change registered. percentage 27 cent case developed countries ( Figure 21). Committees gender balanced, rarely led woman. 40 cent NTFCs chaired -chaired women. shown Figure 22, NTFCs developing developed countries chaired -chaired woman. Figure 22: Percentage National Trade Facilitation Committees Chairman, President Vice President woman, level development Source: UNCTAD – Sample level development: developed countries (4), developing countries (34), developed countries (14). 52 countries answered survey, 83 cent affirmed Committee decision action mainstream gender trade facilitation. 2017, significant shifting reasons result. 2017, Committees (31 cent) considered gender mainstreaming relevant stage, percentage doubled (58 cent) 2019. reason developed developing countries. contrary, number NTFCs claiming lack awareness gender mainstreaming responsible lack decisions actions regard, : 44 cent 2017 21 cent 2019. main reason named developed countries shown Figure 24. Finally, NTFCs (23 cent) believed gender mainstreaming priority, represents comparable figure results gathered 2017. Figure 23: Reasons National Trade Facilitation Committees decision action mainstream gender trade facilitation Source: UNCTAD – Sample: 52 countries. specific answers National Trade Facilitation Committees, 10 misunderstanding gender mainstreaming trade facilitation means. NTFCs mistaking 10 National Trade Facilitation Committees, answered positively question “ NTFC action decision mainstream gender trade facilitation policies”, asked provide examples actions decisions. explanations related inclusion women Committee . Similarly, countries written reasons NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 35 gender-balanced institution advocating gender-sensitive trade facilitation reforms. Ensuring representativeness women Committees important, action National Trade Facilitation Committees undertake promote gender-sensitive trade facilitation policies. instance, women, vulnerable unregistered traders, tend -proportionately represented11 informal cross-border trade. Trade facilitation measures alleviating gender-specific constraints turn reality informal traders formalized micro-entrepreneurial scenario, significant potential alleviate poverty empower women, time, increasing Customs revenue collection. , policies fostered National Trade Facilitation Committees benefit applying gender-sensitive approach. Box 4 includes recommendations UNCTAD study 2017, valid 2020. National Trade Facilitation Committees concrete steps address gender equality, composition committee substance work Start mainstreaming trade facilitation national trade policies, helps formalize informal traders, women, support women entrepreneurs accessing foreign markets Track equal participation women men Committee. Establish minimum level representation women Committee. , data disaggregated sex gender-specific impacts assessment policy standard proposed National Trade Facilitation Committee Promote proposed policy standard responds gender / sex-specific risks, vulnerabilities , assess contribute economic empowerment women Place gender high agendas Committee , , request support, instance international agencies donors, specific subject Source: UNCTAD Policy . 65, Fostering Gender Mainstreaming National Trade Facilitation Committees. actions decisions regard, claimed , women equally represented Committee. 11 Formalization informal trade Africa: Trends, experiences socio-economic impacts, Food Agriculture Organization United Nations (FAO), http://www.fao.org/3/-i7101e.pdf , accessed 22 November 2019 Box 4: Key Recommendations NTFCs mainstream gender trade facilitation http://www.fao.org/3/-i7101e.pdf NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 36 Figure 24: Reasons National Trade Facilitation Committees decision action mainstream gender trade facilitation - level development Source: UNCTAD. Sample level development: developed countries (4), developing countries (34), developed countries (14). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 37 1.5 Communication key stakeholders Trade Facilitation reforms -reaching consequences actors trade transport -consumers society . transversal issue public private institutions . National Trade Facilitation Committees moving coordination concrete trade facilitation reforms, managing expectations stakeholders critical successful implementation projects. Transparency systematic communication cornerstone change management. , National Trade Facilitation Committees recommended put place proactive communication strategy, including clear goals, messages designed target groups, adapted communication channels, concrete outreaching activities dedicated budget. shown Figure 25, 55 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm communication strategy. results drop 52 cent case developing countries 33 cent developed countries. Figure 25: National Trade Facilitation Committee communication strategy Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 47 countries. total 43 cent NTFCs report lack financial resources main reason communication strategy. mentioned reason lack personnel undertake work communication (29 cent Committees). total 14 cent Committees considered undertake outreach activities. 10 Committees (11 cent) claim communication strategy due lack - subject. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 38 Figure 26: Percentage National Trade Facilitation Committees mention aspects communication channels stakeholders informed Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 51 countries. Communication stakeholders email majority NTFCs (94 cent). Administrative letters official communication thirds Committees (73 cent). 63 cent Committees communicate telephone. Meetings means communication 61 cent NTFCs. Committees (20 cent) report website post communicate information work National Trade Facilitation Committee. National Trade Facilitation Committee Ecuador presented considered practice communication efforts undertaken NTFC reach broader audience. Ecuador edited published short video explaining, short testimonials plain language, mandate, objectives composition Committee. video presented WTO member States WTO Trade Facilitation Committee February 2020 watched link: https://youtu./BKtCxtNA15M. 1.6 Budget financial resources discussed Chapter 2, financial sustainability essential NTFCs ensure efficient regular operations. answers survey 52 participating countries, 27 cent report budget activities National Trade Facilitation Committee. represents increase percentage points compared results presented UNCTAD 2017 study. , shown Figure 27, 14 cent developed countries included sample report https://youtu./BKtCxtNA15M NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 39 budget National Trade Facilitation Committee, corresponds 10 percentage points 2017. Figure 27: Key facts financing National Trade Facilitation Committee Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. fact, developed countries reported budget NTFC financed donors development agencies. Contrary developed developing countries, domestic resources cover 100 cent 77 cent budget committees , developed countries allocating domestic resources financing National Trade Facilitation Committee. words, developed country , higher probability financed developing partner domestic resources. related general lack understanding benefits trade facilitation, results trade facilitation mainstreamed national budget. explained UNCTAD 2017 study: “Basing NTFC financing contributions donors development partners risky. kind contributions generally temporary, ongoing projects. , sustainability Committee jeopardized project – budget, - .” average, 22 cent budget National Trade Facilitation Committee dedicated cover meeting venues catering; 15 cent telephone internet, 13 cent NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 40 reproduction publications services. 11 cent invested public information sessions media outreach 11 cent financing training sessions members Committee. 11 cent budget pay salaries permanent secretariat employees 9 cent rent office space equipment. Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. general terms, countries reporting budget NTFC, claim lack domestic resources (50 cent) lack financial support donors development partners (30 cent) main reasons explaining situation. total 16 cent NTFCs claimed budget activities Committee considered . 1.7 Concrete outcomes subsequent chapter, sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees time easy endeavour, NTFCs obligation international law. mentioned UNCTAD 2017 study: “ ensure making results achieved participants aware outcomes. crucial show impact work return investment join meetings Committee”. shown Figure 29, 6 cent surveyed NTFCs ( developed, developing developed country) report concrete outcomes produced Committee . corresponds decrease 17 percentage points compared results obtained 2017. Figure 28: Items covered budget National Trade Facilitation Committees, average NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 41 positive findings corroborate entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement moved countries action, translates substantiable measurable outcomes. increase 47 percentage points compared 2017, ratification notifications WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement cited outcome (77 percent) National Trade Facilitation Committees. Additionally, 73 cent Committees NTFC developed implementation plan WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. NTFCs (33 cent) reported National Trade Facilitation Committee contributed negotiation trade trade facilitation agreements. thirds National Trade Facilitation Committees (67 cent) affirm work helped implement concrete trade facilitation measures. percentage higher developed countries (79 cent) developing (65 cent) developed countries (50 cent). Vietnam Trade Facilitation Committee successfully contributing implementation national Single Window Single Window Association Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). fact, National Trade Facilitation Committees involved implementation complex trade facilitation measures specially require smooth coordination public private agencies. impact work NTFCs intangible aspects, National Trade Facilitation Committees highlight improvement coordination (75 cent) improvement transparency dialogue (63 cent NTFCs), support raise awareness importance trade facilitation (71 cent). work Committee contributed mainstreaming trade facilitation national policies countries (52 cent). majority NTFCs (52 cent) believes work helped reducing time / improving trade procedures (38 cent) reports reduction cost import, export transit. , 42 cent Committees claim work contributed improving business environment traders. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 42 Figure 29: Concrete outcomes National Trade Facilitation Committees Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 52 countries. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 43 2 Key factors sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees Article 23.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, countries “ establish / maintain national committee trade facilitation designate existing mechanism facilitate domestic coordination implementation provisions Agreement.” word maintain reinforces idea NTFCs permanent platforms ad-hoc instruments. , sustained. Sustainability ability exist constantly. argued Chapter 1.1 Mandate scope action NTFCs developed countries, National Trade Facilitation Committees oversee coordinate trade facilitation reforms aiming simplifying, harmonising, standardising making trade procedures transparent framework WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement , , . Trade facilitation constant endeavour National Trade Facilitation Committees irrespective level development country. chapter explores perception sustainability leadership National Trade Facilitation Committees , identifies key factors main obstacles sustainability. 2.1 Perception sustainability set- National Trade Facilitation Committees considered, extent, pretty straight business, ensuring sustainability, meaning continuation work overtime, remains challenge, shown results UNCTAD research. present survey asked chairpersons 52 National Trade Facilitation Committees rate, scale 0 100, extent considered NTFC sustainable time. average answer score 68. number WTO Member States obliged international law establish, maintain, mechanism. results survey, correlation level development country level sustainability NTFC. scale 0 100, developed countries rated sustainability Committees 90, figure decreased 70 developing countries dropped 57 developed countries. Technical assistance National Trade Facilitation Committees, developed countries critical improve degree sustainability NTFCs. Box 5 describes briefly UNCTAD supporting sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 44 Box 5: UNCTAD supports sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 45 2.2 Key factors sustainability ensuring sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees challenging, worth exploring factors NTFCs contributing sustainability. shown Figure 30, survey main factors chosen contributing sustainability NTFCs: • commitment participation members, (57 cent) • financial assistance adequate resources, (57 cent) • high level support political buy-, (57 cent) • involvement private sector (55 cent). secondary factors contributing sustainability, NTFCs mentioned cooperation members, ensuring common understanding goals mutual trust (35 cent), regularity meetings communications NTFC members (33 cent) , finally, capacity building (33 cent). NTFCs considered important strong leadership, ensure efforts raise awareness trade facilitation, development work plans proposals, close monitoring results, finally, clear terms reference clear distribution responsibilities NTFCs’ members. perception factors important sustainability Committees differs significantly depending level development country. Thirteen fourteen NTFCs (93 cent) developed countries considered financial assistance adequate resources main sustainability factor NTFCs. important commitment members high participation, NTFCs developed countries reported capacity building important factor, high level support political buy- (64 cent) involvement private sector (57 cent). developed countries, main sustainability factors related members; cooperation members, commitment participation regular meetings important high level political support access financial assistance adequate resources. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 46 Figure 30: Main crucial factors sustainability National Trade Facilitation Committees Source: UNCTAD, based answers received UNCTAD survey circulated July September 2019. Sample: 51 countries Sample level development: developing countries (33), developed countries (14). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 47 2.3 Main obstacles sustainability UNCTAD 2015 study, “obstacles elements hinder delay implementation measures achievement goals set trade facilitation body. Obstacles negatively influence effective development body’ activities”. displayed Figure 31, National Trade Facilitation Committees (71 cent) highlighted lack funding resources greatest obstacle sustainability Committee. percentage 93 cent developed countries. lack awareness importance NTFC lack understanding trade facilitation mentioned obstacles. committees (53 cent) believes impediment sustainability NTFC. obstacles mentioned NTFCs developed countries included sample. Resistance change lack political buy- position mentioned 47 cent surveyed Committees. challenges interlinked. lack high-level support resistance change addressed understanding , benefits trade facilitation international obligations fallen WTO member countries entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Lack participation issues motivation NTFC members, coupled incorrect representation frequent replacement members mentioned approximately Committees. 48 Fi gu 3 1: ai ob st ac le su st ai na bi lit TF Cs ur ce : CT AD , ed sw er ec ei ve CT AD su rv ey irc ul ed fr om Ju ly ep te 2 01 9. Sa pl : 5 1 tr Sa pl pe ev el ev el op en : de ve lo pi ng ou nt rie ( 33 ), le ev el op ed ou nt rie ( 14 ). NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 48 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 49 Figure 32 shows importance obstacles changed 2015. reflect NTFCs adapt realities imposed implement WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. implementation reforms shape tangible projects, lack understanding trade facilitation, resistance change lack political buy- gain positions ranking TOP 10 obstacles National Trade Facilitation Committees. implementation phase, lack permanent secretariat document progress organise meetings NTFC gained importance eyes chairpersons NTFCs surveyed. contrary, lack regularity meetings lost positions ranking, due fact Committees , se, meeting regularly ensuring frequency meetings crucial issue anymore. Figure 32: TOP 10 obstacles National Trade Facilitation Committees time Source: UNCTAD. NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS IMPLEMENTERS OF THE WTO TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT 50 Conclusions study complements UNCTAD’ research work National Trade Facilitation Committees, National Trade Facilitation Bodies World, published 2015, National Trade Facilitation Committees: compliance WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, published 2017. insights gathered publications, UNCTAD improved methodology standardized research approach. National Trade Facilitation Committees Coordinators Trade Facilitation Reforms builds results previous NTFC studies includes research areas, monitoring evaluation, regional integration -commerce. study considers information 52 country cases collected July 2019 September 2019 standardized questionnaire developed UNCTAD distributed chairpersons secretariats NTFCs world. Main findings study main findings study : Mandate Scope action National Trade Facilitation Committees. coordination implementation WTO TFA remains core NTFC competencies, countries (37 cent) affirm scope action broader TFA. UNCTAD’ research shows 38 cent NTFCs frequently acting donor coordinator trade facilitation initiatives. figure corresponds 33 cent developing countries 53 cent developed countries. total 71 cent committees affirm frequently monitor implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Advising government making recommendations (69 cent committees) frequent scope action. total 60 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm frequently collect, disseminate information raise awareness trade facilitation. Searching financing partnerships, fundraising maintaining relationship donors implementation agencies cited action developed countries (64 cent), representing 18 percentage points average. majority NTFCs (52 cent) affirm contact NTFCs region. 1 5 National Trade Facilitation Committees (23 cent) report decision action facilitate cross border -commerce. National Trade Facilitation Committees decisions actions related cross-border -commerce named reasons . NTFCs (36 cent) considered cross-border -commerce mandate NTFC, 28 cent committees claim lack awareness relationship cross-border - commerce trade facilitation. Degree institutionalization. vast majority (92 cent) trade facilitation committees officially institutionalized. majority trade facilitation committees (69 cent) institutionalized governmental level, instance, decision Cabinet Ministers presidential decree. represents 18 percentage points increase compared results obtained 2017. 21 cent developing countries officially set NTFC Ministerial level compared 42 cent NTFCs developed countries. puts NTFCs developed countries weaker position: trade facilitation committees coordinating role public agencies, legal basis governmental level result stronger high-level political commitment address potential conflicts interest key stakeholders. https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1133 https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1961 https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspxpublicationid=1961 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 51 Terms reference. National Trade Facilitation Committees (87 cent) terms reference. represents increase 23 percentage points compared UNCTAD 2017 study. Work plan. total 75 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm work plan. corresponds increase 13 percentage points compared UNCTAD 2017 study, confirming , years, National Trade Facilitation Committees assumed active role coordination implementation specific provisions WTO TFA. National Trade Facilitation Committees developing countries higher probability work plan developed countries. National Trade Facilitation Committees work plan, (50 cent) reported due lack develop . NTFCs (44 cent) yearly work plans 25 cent choose quarterly work plans. Monitoring evaluation. survey basis study, UNCTAD asked chairpersons 52 National Trade Facilitation Committees rate, scale 0 100, extent considered NTFC fulfilling role monitoring evaluating implementation WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. average answer score 62, dropped 47 case developed countries. total 19 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees specific monitoring tools. Forty cent National Trade Facilitation Committees specific tools evaluate work. Chairpersonship. National Trade Facilitation Committees (37 cent) opting simultaneous chairpersons leading Committee. big change compared results UNCTAD survey 2017. , Committee opted official -chairpersonship. Nowadays, National Trade Facilitation Committees (31 cent) -chaired public entities , 21 cent cases, entities Ministry Trade Customs. natural move NTFCs countries focusing progressively implementation concrete provisions WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. rise -chairpersonship National Trade Facilitation Committees, total 63 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees report single chairpersonship. 2017, Ministry Trade led Committee 70 cent cases, 40 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees affirmed Ministry Trade holding chairpersonship NTFC. results Customs remain constant compared 2017, 12 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees led . private sector involved leadership National Trade Facilitation Committees ten NTFCs. Permanent secretariat. National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm permanent secretariat (58 cent) process setting (13 cent). figures represent setback UNCTAD 2017 study, 71 cent NTFCs affirmed permanent secretariat. average, people working permanent secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committee. figure developed countries developed countries. , correlation number people needed permanent secretariat level development country. developed country , people needed permanent secretariat. permanent secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committees hosted Ministry Trade (73 cent). cases, Customs (13 cent) Chamber Commerce (6 cent) charge permanent secretariat. (45 cent) NTFC report permanent secretariat, specific budget . Domestic resources financing permanent secretariats 29 cent NTFCs, NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 52 donors developing partners financing 24 cent . contribution private sector minimal. worth mentioning domestic resources dedicated permanent secretariats developed countries. , 67 cent secretariats budget, NTFCs countries financed donors developing partners. lack financial resources main reason (75 cent Committees) permanent secretariat National Trade Facilitation Committee. lack human resources hindering permanent secretariat 17 cent cases. NTFC reports lack political support obstructing creation permanent secretariat. Regularity frequency meetings. total 73 cent National Trade Facilitation Committees meet regularly. developed countries difficulties ensure regularity meetings, NTFCs (36 cent) report meet regularly. majority NTFCs (58 cent) meet quarterly basis Composition. National Trade Facilitation Committees surveyed, average membership 18 members, 12 participants represent public sector private sector. NTFCs number members increase 2015. trend result countries acknowledging complex nature trade facilitation, transversal issue participation sectors public private community. Level seniority members. average composition NTFC includes 55 cent senior staff, 33 cent middle level staff 12 cent junior staff. Results shown developed country , higher percentage senior staff involved National Trade Facilitation Committee. 47 cent representatives NTFC senior developed countries, compared 58 cent developing countries 63 cent developed countries. lack participation senior staff mid-term hinder progress Committee, members assisting meetings position decisions , , full power represent speak behalf organizations. Gender mainstreaming. average, 37 cent members NTFCs female. Compared UNCTAD previous study subject 2017, significant change registered. percentage 27 cent case developed countries. Committees gender balanced, rarely led woman. 40 cent NTFCs chaired -chaired women. NTFCs developing developed countries chaired -chaired woman. total 83 cent affirmed Committee decision action mainstream gender trade facilitation. 2017, significant shifting reasons result. 2017, Committees (31 cent) considered gender mainstreaming relevant stage, percentage doubled (58 cent) 2019. reason developed developing countries. contrary, number NTFCs claiming lack awareness gender mainstreaming responsible lack decisions actions regard, : 44 cent 2017 21 cent 2019. main reason named developed countries. Communication key stakeholders. National Trade Facilitation Committees affirm communication strategy. results drop 33 cent developed countries. lack financial resources reported 43 cent NTFCs main reason communication strategy. mentioned reason lack personnel undertake work communication (29 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 53 cent Committees). Communication stakeholders email majority NTFCs (94 cent). Administrative letters official communication thirds Committees (73 cent). 63 cent Committees communicated telephone. Meetings means communication 61 cent NTFCs. 1 5 Committees (20 cent) report website post communicate information work National Trade Facilitation Committee. Budget financial resources. 27 cent report budget activities National Trade Facilitation Committee. represents increase percentage points compared results presented UNCTAD 2017 study. , 14 cent developed countries report budget National Trade Facilitation Committee, corresponds 10 percentage points 2017. developed country , higher probability financed developing partner domestic resources. average, 22 cent budget National Trade Facilitation Committee dedicated cover meeting venues catering; 15 cent telephone internet, 13 cent reproduction publications services. 11 cent invested public information sessions media outreach 11 cent financing training sessions members Committee. 11 cent budget pay salaries permanent secretariat employees 9 cent rent office space equipment. general terms, countries reporting budget NTFC, claim lack domestic resources (50 cent) lack financial support donors development partners (30 cent) main reasons explaining situation. total 16 cent NTFCs claimed budget activities Committee considered . Concrete outcomes. 6 cent surveyed report concrete outcomes produced Committee . corresponds decrease 17 percentage points compared results obtained 2017. positive findings corroborate entry force WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement moved countries action, translating substantiable measurable operational outcomes. increase 47 percentage points compared 2017, ratification notifications WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement cited outcome (77 percent) National Trade Facilitation Committees. Additionally, 73 cent Committees NTFC developed implementation plan WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. NTFCs (33 cent) reported National Trade Facilitation Committee contributed negotiation trade trade facilitation agreements. thirds National Trade Facilitation Committees (67 cent) affirm work helped implement concrete trade facilitation measures. percentage higher developed countries (79 cent) developing (65 cent) developed countries (50 cent). impact work NTFCs intangible aspects, National Trade Facilitation Committees highlighted improvement coordination (75 cent) improvement transparency dialogue (63 cent NTFCs), support raise awareness importance trade facilitation (71 cent). work Committee contributed mainstreaming trade facilitation national policies countries (52 cent). majority NTFCs (52 cent) believes work helped reducing time / improving trade procedures (38 cent) reported reduction cost import, export NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 54 transit. , 42 cent Committees claim work contributed improving business environment traders. Perception sustainability. survey conducted asked chairpersons 52 National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) rate, scale 0 100, extent considered NTFC sustainable time. average answer score 68. number WTO Member States obliged international law establish, maintain, mechanism. correlation level development country level sustainability NTFC. scale 0 100, developed countries rated sustainability Committees 90, figure decreased 70 developing countries dropped 57 developed countries (LDCs). Key factors sustainability. main factors contributing sustainability NTFCs: 1) commitment participation members, (57 cent); 2) financial assistance adequate resources, (57 cent); 3) high level support political buy-, (57 cent) , 4) involvement private sector (55 cent). perception factors important sustainability Committees differs significantly depending level development country. Thirteen fourteen NTFCs (93 cent) developed countries considered financial assistance adequate resources main sustainability factor NTFCs. important commitment members high participation, NTFCs developed countries reported capacity building important factor, high level support political buy- (64 cent) involvement private sector (57 cent). developed countries, main sustainability factors related members; cooperation members, commitment participation regular meetings important high level political support access financial assistance adequate resources. Main obstacles sustainability. National Trade Facilitation Committees (71 cent) highlighted lack funding resources greatest obstacle sustainability Committee. percentage 93 cent developed countries. lack awareness importance NTFC lack understanding trade facilitation mentioned obstacles. committees (53 cent) believes impediment sustainability NTFC. mentioned obstacles NTFCs developed countries included sample. Resistance change lack political buy- position mentioned 47 cent surveyed Committees. Absenteeism issues motivation NTFC members, coupled incorrect representation frequent replacement members mentioned approximately Committees. Trade facilitation - endeavour, National Trade Facilitation Committees Article 23.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement obliges WTO Members “establish / maintain National Trade Facilitation Committee designate existing mechanism facilitate domestic coordination implementation provisions Agreement”. Trade facilitation - endeavour. possibilities simplify, harmonise, standardise trade procedures transparent, technological innovations. , implementation provisions Agreement require periodic review , , NTFCs key ensuring domestic coordination process: NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 55 Creating transparent procedures requires constant effort. coming years, import, export transit laws, regulations procedures changed trading industry, application enabling technologies challenges faced public administration. , key body oversees information published internet ( required Article 1 WTO TFA) constantly updated stakeholders. role assumed NTFC. Simplification, Standardisation Harmonisation dynamic concepts. Article 6.1.4 states “ Member periodically review fees charges view reducing number diversity, practicable” Article 10.1 obliges WTO Members review formalities documentation requirements “ view minimizing incidence complexity import, export, transit formalities decreasing simplifying import, export, transit documentation requirements account legitimate policy objectives factors changed circumstances, relevant information, business practices, availability techniques technology, international practices inputs interested parties”. word periodically means revision place regularly occurring intervals NTFC oversee domestic coordination revision. regular ongoing functions included Article 10.3 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement , WTO members “ encouraged relevant international standards parts thereof basis import, export transit formalities procedures”. NTFC responsible identifying existing relevant international standards providing recommendations agencies implementation feasible advisable. imperishable roles NTFCs. countries, NTFCs instrument enabling implementation Article 2.2 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Article obliges Member States “provide regular consultations border agencies traders stakeholders located territory”. , NTFC constitute permanent platform ensure private-public dialogue. function assumed NTFCs donor coordination. organ steering implementation provisions TFA trade facilitation measures, NTFCs developing developed countries privileged position fulfil role channelling donor support trade facilitation reforms. countries figure national donor coordinator officially exists, important () regular member NTFC. conclude, NTFCs needed justifiable, developing developed countries alike, TFA fully implemented . role overseeing coordinating trade facilitation reforms framework TFA TFA compliance. Trade facilitation reforms aim simplifying, harmonising, standardising making trade procedures transparent , , constant endeavour - activity. , NTFCs permanent platforms, coordinating national efforts trade, day, bit cheaper, faster simpler benefit society . NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 56 References International Post Corporation (2017), State -commerce: global outlook 2016-21, https://www.ipc./services/market-research/-commerce-market-insights/-commerce-articles/global- ecommerce-figures-2017, accessed 30 January 2020 ITC (2015). National Trade Facilitation Committees, Moving Implementation. International Trade Centre. FAO (2017). Formalization informal trade Africa: Trends, experiences socio-economic impacts. http://www.fao.org/3/-i7101e.pdf (accessed November 2019) UNCTAD (2020). Repository Trade facilitation bodies world. http://unctad.org/tfc (accessed February 2020). UNCTAD (2019). National Trade Facilitation Committees: Compliance WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement United Nations publication. York Geneva. UNCTAD (2018). Article . 27 - UNCTAD Transport Trade Facilitation Newsletter °80 - Fourth Quarter 2018, WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement enabler -Commerce, https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspxOriginalVersionID=1958, accessed 30 January 2020 UNCTAD (2018). UNCTAD Policy . 65, Fostering Gender Mainstreaming National Trade Facilitation Committees. United Nations publication. York Geneva. UNCTAD (2017). UNCTAD Information Economy Report. York Geneva UNCTAD (2016). Trade facilitation development: Driving trade competitiveness, border agency effectiveness strengthened governance. York Geneva UNCTAD (2015). Trade Facilitation Bodies World. United Nations publication. York Geneva. UNCTAD (2011). Technical Note 18: Multi-agency working group Trade Facilitation. United Nations publication. York Geneva. UNCTAD (2006). Trade Facilitation Handbook Part – National Facilitation Bodies: Lessons Experience. United Nations publication. York Geneva. UNECE (2015). Recommendation °. 4 - National Trade Facilitation Bodies. ECE/TRADE/425. United Nations publication. York Geneva UNECE (2015). Recommendation °. 40 - Consultation approaches Practices Trade Government Consultation Trade Facilitation matters. ECE/TRADE//CEFACT/2015/9/Rev.1. United Nations publication. York Geneva UNECE (2017), Briefing note contribution UN/CEFACT UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, Executive Committee, Centre Trade Facilitation Electronic Business, Twenty- session. UNESCAP (2017). Trade Facilitation Paperless Trade Implementation - Global Report 2017 UNESCAP (2011). Guidelines Establishing Strengthening National Coordination Mechanisms Trade Transport Facilitation ESCAP Region. United Nations publication. World Economic Forum (2017), Global Gender Gap Report http://www.fao.org/3/-i7101e.pdf http://unctad.org/tfc https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspxOriginalVersionID=1958 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES AS COORDINATORS OF TRADE FACILITATION REFORMS 57 WTO (2017). National Committees Trade Facilitation: current practices challenges. WTO (2014). Agreement Trade Facilitation. 15 July 2014. WT//931. WTO (2013). Bali Ministerial Decision WT/MIN(13)/36 WT//911. WCO (2016). National Committees Trade Facilitation, WCO Guidance. AT TRANSPORT AND TRADE FACILITATION Series 14 National trade facilitation committees coordinators trade facilitation reforms UN CTA UNITED NATIONS TR TR FA ILITATIO eries 14 National trade facilitation ittees coordinators trade facilitation reform Printed United Nations, Geneva – 2011340 () – December 2020 – 531 – UNCTAD/DTL/TLB/2020/1

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