UNECE Forum – Sharing the Gains of Globalisation in the New Security Environment

14-15 May 2003

David WakefordChief Executive

SITPRO

Cancun – a golden opportunity for trade facilitationCancun – a golden opportunity for trade facilitation

Our sole aim is to eliminate Our sole aim is to eliminate red tapered tape from International Trade by:-from International Trade by:-

Simplifying and harmonising international Simplifying and harmonising international trade procedures and promoting best trade procedures and promoting best practicepractice

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitationCancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation

SITPROSITPROSimplifying International TradeSimplifying International Trade

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation

Why should the Agreement be in the WTO?

Establish firm foundations for other WTO agreementsEstablish firm foundations for other WTO agreements Establish a standard approach to border managementEstablish a standard approach to border management

improving efficiency and predictabilityimproving efficiency and predictability Inhibit growth in barriers at national bordersInhibit growth in barriers at national borders Establish a coherent approach for bi-lateral Establish a coherent approach for bi-lateral

agreements, FTAs and Customs Unionsagreements, FTAs and Customs Unions

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitationCancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation

Why should the Agreement be in the WTO?Why should the Agreement be in the WTO?

To give greater certainty to trade for land-locked To give greater certainty to trade for land-locked countriescountries

To improve security and give greater confidence To improve security and give greater confidence to importersto importers

Encourage progressive improvement of border Encourage progressive improvement of border managementmanagement

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitationCancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation

What are the benefits of a Trade Facilitation What are the benefits of a Trade Facilitation Agreement?Agreement?

Unique opportunity for financial and technical Unique opportunity for financial and technical supportsupport

Improved market access, foreign investment and Improved market access, foreign investment and predictabilitypredictability

Lower costs for developing countries and SMEsLower costs for developing countries and SMEs Better revenue collection and securityBetter revenue collection and security

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation

What should an agreement look like?

• All WTO members to have some obligations

• Countries most active in international trade to adopt the highest standards

• Countries encouraged to make progressive improvements

• Mix of optional and compulsory features

A PROPOSED APPROACH TO A RULES BASED WTO A PROPOSED APPROACH TO A RULES BASED WTO AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACIILITATIONAGREEMENT ON TRADE FACIILITATION

ASSESSMENT OF FACILITATION

Transparency

Risk management

Authorisation

Full automation

Non-discrimination

Use of commercial systems by customs

Wealth

SecurityCost reduction

Faster release time

MEASUREMENT OF FACILITATION

Measurement of release times

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitationCancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation

FinallyFinally

• The WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancun provides a Golden Opportunity for the future of trade facilitation and international trade

LET’S GRASP IT!!!