Bureaucratic delays and “red tape” pose a burden for moving goods across borders for traders in particular the Private Sector. Trade facilitation—the simplification, modernization and harmonization of export and import processes—has therefore emerged as one of the most important issues for the world trading system.

WTO members concluded negotiations in late 2013 at which the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was established and it became on February 22, 2017, following its ratification by two-thirds of the WTO membership. The TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit and reducing the cost of clearing goods which invariably are passed on to consumers. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.

Although the Agreement came into force over four years ago, we are aware the several countries that are “members” of CARICHAM are very slow in implementing the various Articles. It is important that the Chambers of Commerce have some understanding of the TFA in order to “encourage” Governments to implement the Agreement.

This CARICHAM Growth Forum will provide information about the TFA to the Executive Directors of the Chambers of Commerce in a form that will enable them to have a fair understanding of the Agreement and its importance to ensuring that Governments (including Border Agencies such as the Customs Department, Department of Agriculture, etc), implement the Agreement according to Articles 

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtc-6urjwjEtbJ8HfXq31-gBKtPQXM-2ek