G/TFA/W/42  
 
7 June 2021  
(21-4616) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
 
PROPOSAL TO FORMALIZE ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR  
COMMUNICATION FROM BRAZIL AND THE UNITED STATES  
INTRODUCTION  
1. The anticipated benefits of full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) 
is well-documented and is expected to impact a wide range of stakeholders. The key to achieving 
those gains are a Member -driven approach to implementation, robust private sector engagement, 
and full participation from all WTO Members.  
2. As Members, we can gauge  the relative success of implementation plans by feedback from the 
private sector, often received through leveraging the TFA 's requirement to operate a National Trade 
Facilitation Committee (NTFC) with private sector participation. In some cases, the priva te sector 
may be the most sensitive stakeholder to trade facilitation reforms and changes in border agency 
operations. Therefore, every Member’s unique mechanism to tap into valuable private sector insight 
is critical for the success of full implementation  of the TFA.  
BACKGROUND  
3. Brazil and the United States are strong advocates of experience sharing and thematic 
discussions during Committee meetings. During these discussions, Members often provide 
information learned from private sector feedback that spark s vibrant discourse at the Committee. In 
order to build on this momentum, Brazil and the United States propose instituting a consistent 
practice to engage the private sector so as to provide information about TFA implementation directly 
to Members of the C ommittee on Trade Facilitation.  
4. In soliciting feedback, it is particularly crucial to hear from a diversity of organizations that 
vary in such factors as businesses sector, size and capacity, and regional operation, among others. 
To achieve a higher level of diversity, Members may highlight the opportunity to present to the WTO 
Committee on Trade Facilitation through their National Trade Facilitation Committees and other 
private sector outreach efforts. Members may also choose to highlight this opportunity to Micro, 
Small, and Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs). It is imperative that we all explore opportunities to 
encourage and support MSME participation from developing and least developing countries.  
PROPOSAL  
5. Brazil and the United States propose that the Com mittee convene informally on the margins 
of formal Committee meetings to host discussions with and presentations from the private sector to 
facilitate direct feedback regarding on -the-ground implementation of the TFA. The private sector 
organizations may p resent how implementation of specific provisions of the TFA has improved the 
private sector experience or identify areas of remaining challenges.  
6. The Committee may consider establishing a process to increase the efficiency of reviewing the 
many anticipate d requests from the private sector to present at these informal sessions. Brazil and 
the United States propose that any members of the private sector submit to the Secretariat requests 
to present on a topic of interest that relates to TFA implementation. S ubmissions would be accepted 
throughout the year, and Members should consider reviewing and accepting requests on a rolling 
basis. The Committee will then invite members of the private sector with an approved topic to 
present to Members on the margins of a  formal Committee meeting.  
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