Trade facilitation and development through greater digitalization and enhanced connectivity

Trade facilitation includes the simplification, modernization and harmonization of export and import processes. The aim is to ease the movement of goods across national borders and to maximize efficiency, while reducing related costs and delays. This requires the standardization of documents and data, automation, data exchanges, efficient risk management and paperless procedures. These can be achieved through the digitalization of trade information and exchanges of data among key actors involved in the coordination of action and control. During the pandemic, the need for digitalization and connectivity – as detailed in the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures, as amended (revised Kyoto Convention), under the World Customs Organization, and the Agreement on Trade Facilitation of the World Trade Organization – became more pressing for developing countries.

This course will discuss the reasons for digitalization and connectivity among partner government agencies, particularly since the pandemic, and present solutions developed by the ASYCUDA programme to increase efficiency; reduce costs and delays; and be better prepared to respond to future shocks, such as the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis. The objectives of the course are as follows:

• Illustrate the benefits of efficient control of exports and imports
• Provide a framework for how systems, tools and solutions developed by the ASYCUDA programme, in cooperation with other international organizations, can potentially address digitalization and enhanced connectivity needs
• Highlight the impact of ASYCUDA programme interventions for economies