Geneva, 12 May 2003
UNECE “TRADE WEEK”
12 - 16 May 2003
The UNECE will hold a “Trade Week” from 12 to 16 May. The major event is
a two-day International Forum on Trade Facilitation, which will look at some
of the new issues affecting trade, including the enlargement of the European
Union, and international security concerns in particular.
International Forum on Trade Facilitation “Sharing the Gains of Globalization
in the New Security Environment”
The Forum, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, provides
an opportunity for representatives of international organizations, Governments,
businesses, trade associations and the academic community to meet and exchange
ideas on facilitating trade both regionally and globally.
Today, trade is heavily influenced by the economic and security
environment, the Doha development agenda and, within the UNECE region, by
the enlargement of the European Union. Harmonized trade facilitaion procedures
will help trading partners work together more easily, increase the flow of
trade in a secure environment and help countries better participate in regional
and global marketplaces.
On Thursday afternoon there will also be a workshop on the
Technical Issues of Trade Facilitation.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/trade/forums/forum03/index.htm
Overview of other events
Monday and Tuesday, 12 – 13 May
The Plenary session of the United Nations Centre for Trade
Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT). UN/CEFACT will discuss trade
facilitation policy and recommendations, the development of an intellectual
property rights policy and e-business standards for UN/EDIFACT (UN Electronic
Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) and ebXML (electronic
business eXpandable Markup Language).
Web site: http://www.unece.org/cefact
Tuesday and Friday, 13 and 16 May
Some selected highlights from the annual session of the
UNECE’s Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development are given
below:
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On Tuesday, 13 May, the Committee will examine in detail its work during
the past year and discuss how it can best address the challenges in the
region and particularly those related to the further integration into the
regional and global economy of those European countries that are not-acceding
to the European Union in the near future.
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On the morning of Friday, 16 May, a Policy Segment on National Policies
for Trade Facilitation Implementation in UNECE Member States. Presentations
will be made on current approaches to implementing trade facilitation and
will cover examples of successes and obstacles experienced, approaches to
overcoming these obstacles, and considerations for future plans and priorities
in this area. Presenters will include the World Bank Regional Trade Facilitation
Coordinator for Southeast Europe, the UNECE Regional Advisor for Trade Facilitation
and National Representatives.
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Followed, on Friday afternoon, by a discussion of the Chairman’s conclusions
from the International Forum on Trade Facilitation and possible follow-up
activities to be undertaken at the regional level.