Statement by ITC Executive Director Arancha González on the entry into force of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement

(Geneva) – ‘The International Trade Centre welcomes the entry into force today of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

‘Implementation of the Agreement will lead to a reduction in the cost and time of exporting and importing goods and will be a critical input into making trade happen on the ground. The TFA will enable more SMEs to break out of local and national markets, and tap into regional and international value chains. Faster, more efficient and predictable exports will allow SMEs to climb up the value chain into higher-margin products.

‘Having supported WTO members in the ratification process of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, ITC will now step up its support to countries as they embark on implementation. ITC has worked with governments to introduce new customs reforms and identify where they need technical assistance to meet the demands of the TFA. ITC will continue to work with businesses, trade and investment support institutions and governments to ensure the agreement leads to concrete impacts on the ground especially for SMEs and women cross border traders.’