In partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), the Commonwealth Secretariat has developed its first report on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation in the Commonwealth.
This report is based on the 2023 UN Global Survey on Trade Facilitation undertaken jointly by UN Regional Commissions and UNCTAD. It examines the progress on trade facilitation reforms across Commonwealth countries and provides a comprehensive insight into policy measures and actions that Commonwealth countries have taken to facilitate international trade.
Aside from measures in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the report covers unique practices on the implementation of cutting-edge paperless and cross-border trade facilitation measures and those supporting more inclusive and sustainable trade.
This event will present key findings from the report and discuss the way forward and how countries and development partners could formulate evidence-based strategies and policies, based on the recommendations in the report.
Opening Remarks:
- The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General
- Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary, UN ESCAP
Other speakers:
- Soo Hyun Kim, Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCAP
- Salamat Ali, Trade Economist, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Chris Southworth, Secretary General, ICC United Kingdom
- Victoria Tuomisto, Trade Facilitation and Policy Adviser, International Trade Centre
