The Joint Approach to Trade Facilitation (TF) of the UN Regional Commissions (UNRCs)

The Joint UNRC Approach to Trade Facilitation (TF) was agreed in Beirut in January 2010 by the Executive Secretaries of the five Regional Commissions and was subsequently endorsed by all five Regional Commissions.

The Approach was designed to enable the UNRCs to present a joint (global) view on key Trade Facilitation issues – particularly from the regional and interregional level, and especially in relation to capacity building needs and approaches. This is particularly important in the contect of the ongoing discussions on Trade Facilitation in the WTO Doha Round.

Also it was considered that, as supply chains are becoming increasingly global, a joint approach to trade facilitation policy development and implementation would enhance the effectiveness of UNRC technical assistance and capacity building initiatives in own region. The representatives of all five RCs met in Geneva in December 2011 and confirmed the value of the initiative and their readiness of working together.

Expected Deliverables:

• Joint UNRC view on key Trade Facilitation issues
• Joint Package of information and capacity building resources on Trade Facilitation issues
• Coordination and cooperation on Trade Facilitation work and Capacity Building
• Dissemination of information on UNRC activities in Trade Facilitation
• Coordination with key UN and related agencies on TF

The Joint Capacity Building Package includes the following components (information and capacity building resources provided by respective Regional Commissions.