BACKGROUND
Trade facilitation has become increasingly recognized as a significant element
for trade and economic development and is now a vital issue for negotiations
within the WTO Doha Work Programme. In particular, the importance of advance
information flows as well as a standards approach to paper and electronic trade
documents has been emphasized, and is relevant to GATT Articles V, VIII and X.
This was recognized in the UNECE International Forums on Trade Facilitation,
2002 and 2003, and the APEC Symposium on ebXML for Internet Paperless Trading,
2004.
In this context, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific (UNESCAP) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
will hold a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Trade Facilitation Implementation
for the Asian and Pacific Region.
The Workshop is supported by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation
and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) and is organized under the auspices of
the 6th Forum of
the UN/CEFACT, from 14 – 18 March 2005.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Workshop are to: (a) assist countries of the Asian and
Pacific region to better understand the current challenges and opportunities
of trade facilitation from a regional and global perspective; and (b) explain
existing and emerging trade facilitation standards and other instruments.
The Workshop will look at some practical aspects of implementing trade facilitation instruments in areas such as:
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Scope of trade facilitation from a regional and global perspective
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Integrated information flows for document and paperless trade
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Harmonizing and simplifying trade documents and processes
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E-business standards and codes
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The Single Window facilities for trade information and documents
PARTICIPANTS
The Workshop targets trade facilitation policy makers, negotiators and practitioners, as well as business representatives from the Asian and Pacific region. However, participants from other regions are welcome to join.
REGISTRATION
There is no charge for registration but participants are responsible for their
own travel and accommodation expenses. As space is limited, organizations or
individuals wishing to attend should register early. The deadline for registration
is 5 March 2005
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