Trade facilitation

Small businesses key to economic growth in Africa
Originally published by the International Trade Centre (ITC) International Trade Forum Magazine on 9 December 2020

Future-proofing safe trade now urgent for developing countries
COVID-19 is highlighting the interconnectedness of agri-food trade; and work needs to be done to mobilise action to build safe food systems

An island of (trade) knowledge – Samoa Trade Information Portal
New site making life easier for traders

‘Rules as data’ – the 21st century answer for trade facilitation?
Following digitisation of commercial documents, the digitalisation of trade implies functional use of data to improve the automation potential of cross-border processes.

The clock is ticking on electronic advance data for trade and ecommerce in LDCs
Urgent digital transformation is needed to create safe and secure cross border ecommerce customs clearance in the world’s poorest countries

Blockchain and LDC trade during COVID-19
The macroeconomic context for developing country trade in the time of COVID-19

Vanuatu leading Pacific in digitising customs and biosecurity clearance
Country’s online trading system off to a timely start, as COVID’s physical distancing requirements disrupt manual systems

Facilitating trade through improved customs systems in the Maldives
Increasing efficiency leading to big gains

Making trade facilitation gender sensitive
New tool offers actions to tackle the barriers to trade that women face

In the world’s poorest countries, the move to digitalize trade procedures is needed now more than ever
COVID-19 is highlighting the need for paperless trade in developing countries; a recent assessment offers recommendations for how to start

Coronavirus is coming for the world's poor. Here are six ways to help.
Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 23 March 2020

How to engage businesses in international development
What are some of the keys to success in getting businesses on board?

Yes, medical gear depends on global supply chains. Here's how to keep them moving.
Originally published by Peterson Institute for International Economics on 27 March 2020

Up and coming: Here's why Africa has the potential to boost global growth
Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 18 February 2020

Benefits and challenges of automated processes for wildlife trade in poor countries
Efforts towards the automation of the CITES permitting system is an example of how trade facilitation could be applied in the wildlife sector.

For better business, making standard measurements work in Lao PDR
Carefully calibrating its trade support and compliance to international standards, country is targeting more exports

The AfCFTA – a free trade area and a flagship project of the African Union
Despite impressive progress in the negotiations, it is still not possible to trade under the AfCFTA as the negotiations of preferential tariff concessions and rules of origin have not been completed.

Digitally transforming Sudan’s economy
Enabling growth via ecommerce, trade facilitation and geographical indications

In Nepal, trade in ginger is spicing up lives
Cooperative endeavor to enhance exports yields solid solutions

Tentative steps to implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in least developed countries
Agreement provides least developed countries with novel provisions, with consultation needs taking centre stage

Friendship across borders: When trade brings peace
Businesswomen creating a united front in Rwanda and the DRC

Supporting Least Developed Countries take advantage of ‘the biggest trade reform in a generation’
Facilitating trade across borders means transparency, assistance and knowing what countries need

Monique van Daalen: On women, better business and Rwanda’s trade landscape
Following a recent visit to Rwanda with EIF, Netherlands Ambassador to the WTO and LDC Sub-Committee Chair Monique van Daalen discusses seeing the country’s cross border trade efforts in person, as well as the country’s policy in action

In the business of buying and selling across borders, financing for a better future
Funding for traders, for government trade support and for infrastructure means resources at work in critical spaces in Rwanda

Crossing borders for better business
In Rwanda, new market centres mean improved trade at the border

Information on new product requirements for LDCs – now direct to your inbox
ePing platform helping countries keep track of assorted requirements, transforming communication and comment

Minding the gaps between field and marketplace
Strategic alliances and alignments are key to making trade in agriculture work, for all

Harnessing Zambia’s position in global trade
Zambia is acting to make trade faster and more efficient within and across its borders by partnering with the Enhanced Integrated Framework

Gambia getting more from cashews
The Gambia has been working across its supply chain to enhance trade in the country

EIF address at the launch event of the Vanuatu National Single Window Project and the eTrade Readiness Assessment
Launching of these specific initiatives demonstrates the progressive vision of Vanuatu to stimulate the economy and leverage opportunities through international trade for delivering growth and development

For wool creatives in Nepal, making all the right connections is key
Flock maintaining, brand strengthening, and market expanding: Nepal's pashmina producers are aiming high

Free trade in Africa: How can LDCs benefit?
Increasing trade between African countries offers great potential for building sustainable economic development and integration, including creating higher-wage jobs and unlocking greater business opportunities

The Trade Facilitation Agreement: What does it mean for LDCs?
In 2017, the global trading system achieved a major milestone when the first multilateral deal entered into force in the 21-year history of the World Trade Organization – the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)

TradeMark East Africa's Richard Kamajugo on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility
An interview with Richard Kamajugo, Senior Director for Trade Environment at TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), during the EIF Global Forum 2018

Infographic: Highlights from the Nepal Trade Integration Study (NTIS)
Study identifies priority sectors for impact

Driving safe trade solutions worldwide
A new book on sanitary and phytosanitary gaps from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) highlights ways to support farmers, processors, traders and governments in developing countries to access global markets

Lesotho opens horticultural market centre to boost business for farmers
(MASERU/GENEVA) March 9, 2018 – The Kingdom of Lesotho is continuing to invest in agro-processing for its farmers: A brand new horticultural market centre will allow them to better preserve their fruits and vegetables and receive prompt payments for their products.

New market creating fresh connections in Lesotho
Just-launched facility offers state-of-the-art services, and promises to boost business

New cargo facility heralds trade progress in The Gambia
Launch of long-awaited space at country's main airport means more – and more diverse – exports

Benin cassava flour makers seek Geographical Indication
Two dozen Beninese women making a unique type of garri flour sign up to a new code of practice to better market their product and boost incomes

Cambodia's white gold
Driving through Cambodia’s country-side, one can’t help but notice the endless rice paddies that appear to extend in every direction. This should come as no surprise given that, for millennia, rice has been a central part of the country’s diet, and its most important crop. One that to this day occupies up to three quarters of the country’s cultivated land.

How is the EIF supporting LDCs to unleash their trade potential?
Originally published in Bridges Africa

ITFC and EIF join forces in supporting the Least Developed Countries
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), a programme focused on supporting the Least Developed Countries' (LDCs) capacity to trade, signed a Memorandum of Understanding

Digital can lift the developing world out of poverty. Here's how
Originally published on 10 July 2017 in the World Economic Forum Agenda

Fostering innovation and building inclusive industrialization in Burundi
A partnership in support of the harmonization of standards key to export competitiveness

Trade and services, rehabilitation and promoting cultural heritages
Contributing to the reconstruction of communities after a natural disaster

First Laos-Bhutan National Implementation Unit exchange
First Laos-Bhutan exchange programme between representatives from trade ministries