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Background

Trade Facilitation represents a paradigm shift away from the sole emphasis on the revenue collection role of customs. The concept came to the forefront in 1996 during the WTO Singapore Ministerial meeting as the international business community expressed concern for greater transparency, efficiency and procedural uniformity for the cross-border transportation of goods. Since that time, the topic has emerged as a major trade-policy issue in the WTO’s Doha Work Programme as a result of the 31st Package agreed to in 2004.

Trade liberalization with is implied tariffs reduction globally, has brought to the fore the need to shift the paradigm to one of trade facilitation.

The Role of customs and similar regulatory government bodies is at the centre of this process. Trade facilitation is a complex area, encompassing government regulations and controls, business efficiency, transportation, information and communication technology and the financial services.

Trough the critical interplay of administrative demands and procedures, the process of trade in goods and services can either be accelerated or constrained. The Association of Caribbean States through the Trade and External Economic Relations Directorate recognizes this fact, and acknowledges that our nations have many procedures and systems which have not kept pace with technology, modes of production, and distribution, and therefore need to upgrade to meet the demands of the new international Trade environment.

Customs is a mandatory element in the movement of goods across borders. Effective and efficient clearance of goods enhances industrial processes. When an industry functions efficiently, it impacts positively on the participation of the national economy at the global level and contributes significantly to the economic competitiveness of nations.

The ACS Trade Directorate has identified the necessity for Customs Authorities of the  Greater Caribbean States to get together to share their achievements, discuss our issues and knowledge on this matter. After hosting in March 2005 the first Customs Facilitation Meeting at the headquarters of the ACS in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, it became part of the Trade Directorate work program that was approved by the ACS Member States and Associate Members.

This second Meeting on Facilitation of Customs Procedures will be held in Panama city, in the Republic of Panama with the logistic support of the National Customs Authority and the Panama Canal Authority. Through this Meeting, the ACS Trade Directorate will gather all the Customs Authorities of the Region to work on different strategies to improve the customs procedures and reap the benefits of increased efficiency trough optimal trade procedures. Finally the ACS Trade Directorate expects that the outcome of this meeting will help to facilitate trade and ensure synergies across our economies.

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