UNECE Forum – Sharing the Gains of Globalisation in the New Security Environment May 2003 David Wakeford Chief Executive SITPRO Cancun – a golden opportunity for trade facilitation

Our sole aim is to eliminate red tape from International Trade by:- Simplifying and harmonising international trade procedures and promoting best practice Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation SITPRO Simplifying International Trade

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation Why should the Agreement be in the WTO? u Establish firm foundations for other WTO agreements u Establish a standard approach to border management improving efficiency and predictability u Inhibit growth in barriers at national borders u Establish a coherent approach for bi-lateral agreements, FTAs and Customs Unions

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation Why should the Agreement be in the WTO? u To give greater certainty to trade for land-locked countries u To improve security and give greater confidence to importers u Encourage progressive improvement of border management

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation What are the benefits of a Trade Facilitation Agreement? u Unique opportunity for financial and technical support u Improved market access, foreign investment and predictability u Lower costs for developing countries and SMEs u Better revenue collection and security

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation What should an agreement look like? All WTO members to have some obligations Countries most active in international trade to adopt the highest standards Countries encouraged to make progressive improvements Mix of optional and compulsory features

A PROPOSED APPROACH TO A RULES BASED WTO AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACIILITATION ASSESSMENT OF FACILITATION Transparency Risk management Authorisation Full automation Non-discrimination Use of commercial systems by customs Wealth Security Cost reduction Faster release time MEASUREMENT OF FACILITATION Measurement of release times

Cancun – A golden opportunity for trade facilitation Finally The WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancun provides a Golden Opportunity for the future of trade facilitation and international trade LET’S GRASP IT!!!