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Trade

Introduction

The Trade programme, implemented by Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, works to develop closer economic relations among member States, as well as to better integrate their economies into the world economy. The trade programme's inter-governmental bodies make policy recommendations, develop standards for use in trade and assist member States in implementing them. These bodies also suggest ways and means of creating legal and administrative frameworks for fostering trade. Work includes a range of activities to assist member States with: trade facilitation; regulatory and standards policy; commercial agricultural standards; and e-business standards.

ECTD Newsletters

Key areas of work

Steering Committee on Trade Capacity and Standards

Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT)

Agricultural Quality Standards (WP.7)

Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6)

Outreach and Support

SPECA

Studies on non-tariff barriers to Trade

In focus

The UNECE Secretariat is pleased to announce that Ms. Nancy Norris has been elected by acclamation as the new Chair of UN/CEFACT for the period 2024 - 2026. Ms. Norris, from Canada, served as the UN/CEFACT Vice Chair and is the Senior Director of ESG and Digital Trust at the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. At the same time, the Secretariat expressed appreciation for the dedication, guidance, and work of the outgoing Chair of UN/CEFACT from the United Kingdom, Ms. Sue Probert

WP.6 will hold its thirty -fourth Annual Session from 26 (pm) to 28 August in Geneva. This meeting will review and endorse the work achieved by all of the subgroups (GRM, ToS-GRS, MARS, START). It will also feature a panel discussion on how quality infrastructure can help to prevent a green and digital divide, identifying capacity development for sustainable trade in developing economies.

2024 UN/LOCODE Advisory Group session has appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair for the term 2024-2025:

Chairperson & Convener of the Maintenance Team: Ms. Maria Teresa Chavarri (USA)
Vice Chairperson & Convener of the Strategy Team: Mr. Tiago Spengler (Brazil)

News

UNECE and ECLAC propose measures to reduce environmental and health impacts of global trade of second-hand clothes

15 July 2024

UNECE and International Chamber of Commerce urge for global adoption of unified digital trade standards

09 July 2024

UNECE works to scale supply chain diligence and digital connectivity of transit corridors

08 July 2024

Highlights

WP.6 launched the publication Basics of Quality Infrastructure for Trade during the 33rd Annual Session. This publication, authored by experts in the field, provides the general explanation of the various elements of quality infrastructure for trade and its relation to cross-cutting themes.
UN/CEFACT has recently published several White Papers, Guidelines and Executive Guides which are available on the website.
UN/CEFACT has over a dozen active projects ranging from Single Window recommendations to eQuality Certificates and Sustainable tourism to Blockchain. If you are interested in joining our work, please contact us at [email protected]
WP.6 announced the publication of the “Guidelines on Developing Gender-Responsive Standards” (ECE/TRADE/472) which is available on the publications web page.
WP.6 has published a brochure on Why Gender-Responsive Standards are Better for Everyone that offers an explanation and rationale of gender-responsive standards for the new comer. It provides a general overview of the intrinsic nature of standards and how these might affect women and men differently.