Trade facilitation

September 13, 2022 - Shamika Sirimanne and Ratnakar Adhikari

Vanuatu Shows How to Reduce Emissions Through Trade Facilitation

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.

May 17, 2022 - Daniel K. Kalinaki

Why chicken traders in northern Lao stopped crossing the road

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

February 22, 2022 - Annabel Sykes and Michelle Kristy

Tracing Rwandan coffee digitally for inclusive trade

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.

January 18, 2022 - Dr. Yakama Manty Jones

Let's avoid an AfCFTA own-goal – why Africa must invest in connectivity now

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

August 24, 2021 - Violeta Gonzalez Behar

Opinion: 4 ways to promote vaccine equity through trade

Originally published on Devex on 3 August 2021

January 14, 2021 - Moono Mupotola

Small businesses key to economic growth in Africa

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

September 24, 2020 - Marlynne Hopper

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

September 23, 2020 - Patrick Göttner

An island of (trade) knowledge – Samoa Trade Information Portal

New site making life easier for traders

August 24, 2020 - Craig Atkinson

‘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.

August 19, 2020 - Alexander Thern-Svanberg, Javier Garcia

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

July 31, 2020 - Fanan Biem

Blockchain and LDC trade during COVID-19

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

July 22, 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic, Violeta Gonzalez Behar

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

July 20, 2020 - Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, Hang T.T. Tran

Facilitating trade through improved customs systems in the Maldives

Increasing efficiency leading to big gains

July 02, 2020 - Candice White

Making trade facilitation gender sensitive

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

May 04, 2020 - Soo Hyun Kim, Yann Duval

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

April 15, 2020 - Duncan Maru, Sabitri Sapkota

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

April 06, 2020 - Ailsa Nicol

How to engage businesses in international development

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

March 31, 2020 - Anabel González

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

March 12, 2020 - Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Akinyi Ochieng

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

February 06, 2020 - Haruko Okusu

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.

December 03, 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

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

November 20, 2019 - Trudi Hartzenberg

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.

November 04, 2019 - Juan Felipe Rodrigo López, Craig Atkinson

Digitally transforming Sudan’s economy

Enabling growth via ecommerce, trade facilitation and geographical indications

September 16, 2019 - Deanna Ramsay, Michelle Kovacevic

In Nepal, trade in ginger is spicing up lives

Cooperative endeavor to enhance exports yields solid solutions

May 21, 2019 - Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, Fabrice Lehmann

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

April 04, 2019 - Michelle Kovacevic, Violeta Gonzalez Behar

Friendship across borders: When trade brings peace

Businesswomen creating a united front in Rwanda and the DRC

March 04, 2019 - Michelle Kovacevic, Violeta Gonzalez Behar

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

December 07, 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

November 06, 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

November 01, 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

Crossing borders for better business

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

October 03, 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

September 17, 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

Minding the gaps between field and marketplace

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

August 14, 2018 - International Trade Centre (ITC)

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

August 09, 2018 -

Gambia getting more from cashews

The Gambia has been working across its supply chain to enhance trade in the country

August 07, 2018 - Simon Hess

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

July 31, 2018 - Hang T.T. Tran, Deanna Ramsay

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

July 19, 2018 -

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

July 10, 2018 -

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)

June 19, 2018 -

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

June 08, 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

Infographic: Highlights from the Nepal Trade Integration Study (NTIS)

Study identifies priority sectors for impact

May 14, 2018 - Elena Immambocus

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

March 14, 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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.

March 09, 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

New market creating fresh connections in Lesotho

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

February 25, 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

January 24, 2018 - UNCTAD

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

December 08, 2017 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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.

November 11, 2017 - Ratnakar Adhikari

How is the EIF supporting LDCs to unleash their trade potential?

Originally published in Bridges Africa

September 27, 2017 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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

July 10, 2017 - Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Ratnakar Adhikari