Open, international standards enable the implementation of paperless trade in international supply chains, increase the competitiveness of the national economy and foster security and integration on the regional level. UNECE, through its Centre for Trade Facilitation and electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) is the international body which develops the global standards for trade documents and data exchange such as the United Nations Layout Key, UN/EDIFACT or the Trade Data Element Directory and Core Components which are used in the WCO Data Model.

UN/CEFACT has now adopted the United Nations electronic Trade Documents (UNeDocs) project as the basis for a new and global standard for electronic trade documents. UNeDocs integrates accepted international standards and best business practice with the requirements of Internet based technologies. It allows a migration from paper based information exchange to paperless trade. UNeDocs can provide the international accepted data and document structures the emerging single window and paperless trade projects of the Asian Pacific region.

The goal of the two day Workshop is to present important international standards for document and information harmonization and exchange in international trade, to discuss the national and regional adaptation and implementation of these standards and to exchange know how and best practice on pilot projects and initiatives in the region. The workshop will aim to develop recommendations on the development, adaptation and implementation of global standards in the Asia Pacific Region.

The workshop is followed by a three day Technical Workshop on UNeDocs data modelling and document design. During the seminar participants will develop an international trade document which integrates the specific requirements of the region.

Both meetings are hosted by DagangNet, Malaysia. Participation in the Workshop on 20 - 21 February 2006 is open to all interested participants. Participation in the Seminar from 22 to 24 February 2006 is restricted to a limited number of participants and subject to confirmation.

This workshop is organised by CEFACT/TBG2.