Telling the trade stories of least developed countries

Vanuatu has emerged as a trailblazer in the Asia‑Pacific region in leveraging the benefits of trade facilitation through the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) program. For over 40 years, ASYCUDA, which is UNCTAD’s largest technical assistance program, has helped customs offices around the world clear goods faster and increase the pace of trade. Vanuatu is one of only seven ASYCUDA countries worldwide, and the only one in the Pacific region, running a single-window system using ASYCUDA.

Public-private dialogues are reducing trade barriers – and saving poultry traders costly journeys to renew import permits.

The partnership of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) has recently undertaken an evaluation of the initiative, from the birth of the EIF from the original Integrated Framework to late 2021.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong digital presence has, more than ever, become a key element for small businesses in the coffee sector to access new buyers and benefit from international markets.

The AfCFTA's success lies in last-mile implementation. Connectivity and mobility are key.

Originally published on Devex on 3 August 2021

Originally published by the International Trade Centre (ITC) International Trade Forum Magazine on 9 December 2020

COVID-19 is highlighting the interconnectedness of agri-food trade; and work needs to be done to mobilise action to build safe food systems

New site making life easier for traders

Following digitisation of commercial documents, the digitalisation of trade implies functional use of data to improve the automation potential of cross-border processes.

Urgent digital transformation is needed to create safe and secure cross border ecommerce customs clearance in the world’s poorest countries

The macroeconomic context for developing country trade in the time of COVID-19

Country’s online trading system off to a timely start, as COVID’s physical distancing requirements disrupt manual systems

Increasing efficiency leading to big gains

New tool offers actions to tackle the barriers to trade that women face

COVID-19 is highlighting the need for paperless trade in developing countries; a recent assessment offers recommendations for how to start

Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 23 March 2020

What are some of the keys to success in getting businesses on board?

Originally published by Peterson Institute for International Economics on 27 March 2020

Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 18 February 2020

Efforts towards the automation of the CITES permitting system is an example of how trade facilitation could be applied in the wildlife sector.

Carefully calibrating its trade support and compliance to international standards, country is targeting more exports

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.

Enabling growth via ecommerce, trade facilitation and geographical indications

Cooperative endeavor to enhance exports yields solid solutions

Agreement provides least developed countries with novel provisions, with consultation needs taking centre stage

Businesswomen creating a united front in Rwanda and the DRC

Facilitating trade across borders means transparency, assistance and knowing what countries need

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

Funding for traders, for government trade support and for infrastructure means resources at work in critical spaces in Rwanda

In Rwanda, new market centres mean improved trade at the border

ePing platform helping countries keep track of assorted requirements, transforming communication and comment

Strategic alliances and alignments are key to making trade in agriculture work, for all

Zambia is acting to make trade faster and more efficient within and across its borders by partnering with the Enhanced Integrated Framework

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

Flock maintaining, brand strengthening, and market expanding: Nepal's pashmina producers are aiming high

Study identifies priority sectors for impact

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

(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.

Just-launched facility offers state-of-the-art services, and promises to boost business

Launch of long-awaited space at country's main airport means more – and more diverse – exports

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

Originally published in Bridges Africa

Originally published on 10 July 2017 in the World Economic Forum Agenda

A partnership in support of the harmonization of standards key to export competitiveness

Contributing to the reconstruction of communities after a natural disaster