In 2017, World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevedo announced he received ratifications from Rwanda, Oman, Chad, and Jordan, bringing the total number of ratifications to 112. These four ratifications put the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) over the finish line to enter into force. FIATA was present four years ago in Bali when the TFA was initially announced; what appeared to be impossible then has become reality.
A few weeks prior to ratification, FIATA published a position paper to sway momentum in the direction of free trade, highlighting the freight forwarders stance for a trade policy that focuses on sustainable development and harmonization. Progress translates into investing in infrastructure and trade facilitation instruments such as those described in the WTO TFA.
The creation of the WCO’s National Committee on Trade Facilitation in each member country has provided the necessary awareness and preparation for the upcoming implementation phase. All FIATA members have been alerted and encouraged to provide their input and assistance in the establishment of these committees and to significantly contribute to their success. FIATA therefore strongly encourages the WTO signatory countries’ competent authorities (e.g. Customs, Department of Trade, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, etc.) to engage with FIATA association members in their own countries to further assist the swift and efficient implementation of the agreement as widely as possible in the world.
FIATA is also an advocate of Article 10.4 of the WTO TFA which calls for member states “to endeavor to establish or maintain a single window (SW).” The purpose of a single window is to provide a platform and processes for a paperless (electronic) exchange of trade information between participants in the trade process, largely accomplished through a single electronic lodgement.
FIATA has always contributed to UNCEFACT’s SW recommendations 33 through 36, believing strongly that technical standards and the establishment of a single window would lead to advancement in trade facilitation.