At the 31 July Trade Ministers' meeting in Geneva, it was agreed that Trade Facilitation should be accepted as a topic for negotiation in the Doha Development Agenda of the WTO. This is a major step forward for the future efficient conduct of international trade.
The Boksburg Group of developing countries, initiated by SITPRO, has helped to achieve this positive decision taken by the WTO members. At their last meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, the members further refined their views on an acceptable shape for a future trade facilitation agreement. These views should be of assistance in achieving a broad based Trade Facilitation Agreement giving substantial benefits for developing countries as well as developed countries. Working closely with DFID and the World Bank, we are planning two further Boksburg Group meetings to ensure a valuable and constructive contribution to the future development of rules covering Trade Facilitation.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 51, Winter 2004/2005
