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Trade facilitation is often defined as "the simplification and harmonization of international trade procedures" with trade procedures being the "activities, practices and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating and processing data required for the movement of goods in international trade". This definition relates to a wide range of activities such as import and export procedures (e.g., customs or licensing procedures); transport formalities; and payments, insurance, and other financial requirements. Trade facilitation work has been carried out by organizations such as UNCTAD, UNECE or the WCO for several decades.
Steadily growing volumes of trade, the fall in tariff levels to an all-time low after the conclusion of the Uruguay Round and the availability of modern technology to significantly improve the management of cross-border trade and distribution of goods, have all combined to create a strong interest in trade facilitation. The losses that business suffers through delays at borders, complicated and unnecessary documentation requirements and lack of automation of government-mandated trade procedures are estimated to exceed in many cases the costs of tariffs. More...
 Role of the CD/WTO
- The Trade Facilitation Group is responsible for reviewing and following up on the negotiations held in the context of the WTO and other international organizations, including addressing and analyzing countries' proposals.
- The group is responsible for preparing the preliminary Egyptian position and submitting it for any comment and discussion during the meeting of the Trade Facilitation Subcommittee (part of the High National Committee on Doha Negotiations) that comprises representatives from different governmental agencies responsible for the application and implementation of trade facilitation measures in Egypt. During the Subcommittee meetings, discussions are held regarding the proposals and papers submitted by Member countries in order to enable representatives to follow the current negotiations, analyze problems and impediments they may face during implementation, and prepare a final Egyptian position reflecting the interested bodies’ views. The discussions also allow representatives to define their trade facilitation-related technical and financial assistance needs.
- The group follows up on reports, technical assistance programs, and guidance prepared by other international organizations especially UNCTAD, the World Customs Organization, and the World Bank.
- The group also follows the research and studies conducted by different international organizations and the technical assistance provided by developed countries and international organizations.
- Establishment of Ntional Focal Point for Trade Facilitation.
For more information on the current status of trade facilitation negotiations click here. You can access other information about trade facilitation through the links below:
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