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17 June 2022  
(22-4753) Page: 1/ 20 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
 
REPORT BY  THE ITC AND  THE ANNEX D PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS  
TO THE  TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE  
17 June 2022  
FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)  ................................ ................................ ........  3 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (ITC)  ................................ ................................ ............  6 
ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO -OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  ................  9 
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)  ...................  11 
WORLD BANK GROUP (WBG)  ................................ ................................ .........................  15 
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION (WCO)  ................................ ................................ ..... 17 
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  FOREWORD  
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) was created to help WTO developing and least 
developed country Members find the support they need to implement the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA). One of the ways that the TFAF fulfils this role is by providing information on the 
TFA implementation support programs offered by  partner organizations, the so -called "Annex D" 
organizations. This document, coordinated by the TFAF, provides updates on the TFA implementation 
support activities that are being carried out by partner organizations. It is also available on the TFAF 
websi te. 
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INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND  (IMF)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) works to achieve sustainable economic growth and 
prosperity for all its 190 member countries. It supports economic policies that promote financial 
stability and monetary cooperation. Sound revenue policy and revenue ad ministration are vital 
elements for macroeconomic stability and growth. Customs administration is an important element 
of revenue administration in terms of collecting revenue and sustaining the efficiency and security 
of the international supply chain. Fa cilitating the expansion and balanced growth of international 
trade is in the interest of the IMF.  
1.2.  Through the work of the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department 's Revenue Administration Divisions, for 
more than 50 years, the IMF has provided capacity development (CD) support helping customs 
administrations implement the right policies to achieve the national growth and development 
objectives and contribute strongly toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The IMF 's CD advice 
aims at achieving high synergies with the Fund 's macro -fiscal policy recommendations. In recent 
years the IMF has conducted an annual average of over 200 CD missions, including virtual ones, to 
60 countries from its headquarters and Regional CD Centers.  
1.3.  The IMF CD support in customs administra tion focuses on institutional capacity development 
to improve customs revenue collection and reduce revenue leakage; strengthen compliance 
management with the provision of better services and the use of risk -based targeting and 
enforcement; minimize tax -base erosion and profit shifting; and enhance managerial capacity to 
improve resource allocation and performance. The advice includes business process reengineering 
along international standards and good practices to help implement these customs administrati on 
reforms in a sustainable manner. The IMF considers the TFA as a critical step to improve the business 
environment and ensures its CD recommendations on trade facilitation build on, and are consistent 
with, the TFA.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UP COMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  World trade is slowly recovering from the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic and associated 
mitigation policies, such as the long closures of borders. Yet, customs revenues are not recovering 
as expected because of the international supply chain disruption and uncertainty in global demands 
in a deteriorating geopolitical environment. Customs administrations need to re -double their efforts 
to keep the international supply chain flowing smoothly while improv ing trader/taxpayer 's 
compliance and their own performance and good governance. As the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department 's 
mandate is primarily focused on revenue, its customs administration CD focuses on implementation 
of transparent and efficient import and export processing procedures, fight against non -compliance, 
fraud and shadow economy by improving risk -based targeting and collaboration with the tax 
administration and other agencies, and trade facilitation and fair and predictable application of the 
law which broadens the tax base. Institutional and strategic management capacity continues being 
developed so that these policy objectives can be implemented inn a structured and sustainable 
manner. Particular attention is paid to the needs of fragile and conf lict affected states and the 
important role of customs in supporting regional integration.   
2.2.  Examples of country -level (in some instances, customs union -level) technical assistance —
virtual and in -country expert support on:  
• Business process reengineering of customs procedures and operations.  
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  • Compliance risk management improving targeting through analysing trade data to assess 
non-compliance risks.  
• Customs law revision to incorporate modern and international standards, e.g., measures 
stipulated in the TFA.  
• Digitalization of customs procedures and operations.  
• Customs strategic planning for reform and modernization and implementation management.  
• Duty exemption management and free zone management.  
• Customs and tax administration cooperation.  
• Customs procedures  for the administration of extractive industries.  
• Development of automated risk management for customs clearance.  
• Strengthen post -clearance audit process and procedures  
• Introduce an integrated risk management approach  
 
The IMF provides knowledge sharing of goods practices. In addition to delivering an annual average 
of over 200 CD missions to 60 customs administrations per fiscal year, the IMF also organizes 
regional training activities and publishes analytical work on customs administration. For example, in 
Fiscal Year 2022, it offered an online seminar for selected Asian countries on customs and tax 
administration cooperation and risk management, as well as several webinars on single window, risk 
management, and post clearance audit (also nine -week training course) for the Central American 
region and East Africa region. Moreover, various publications on customs administration are available 
through its webpage, Revenue Portal ( https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/fiscal -policies/Revenue -
Portal ). The most recent and comprehensive IMF publication on customs reform and modernization 
is a new book: "Customs Matters: Strengthening Customs Administration in a Changing World ", 
which is b eing published in June 2022 ( www.elibrary.imf.org/customsmatters ). In addition, the IMF 
in partnership with the WCO, gathers information pertaining to customs administration via the 
International S urvey on Customs Administration (ISOCA). The inaugural survey completed in 2020 
for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 gathered data from 51 customs administrations. The joint technical 
working group published the results of this inaugural survey in October 2021. The data portal for 
ISOCA that also hosts the inaugural report is available at https:// data.rafit.org/isoca . 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Requests for CD support can be made directly to the FAD Director, Mr. Vitor Gaspar 
(VGaspar@imf.org ) with a copy to Ms. Debra Adams ( DAdams@imf.org )—in the case of countries 
belonging to Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, and North A frica—or Ms. Andrea 
Lemgruber ( ALemgruber@imf.org ) for countries belonging to Sub -Sahara Africa, Latin America, and 
the Caribbean; or through the IMF 's Resident Representative Offices and Regional Capacity 
Developm ent Centers (see links in the next section). To receive support, countries are expected to 
demonstrate a strong commitment and ownership to implementing customs administration reform 
and modernization. The delivery of the CD support is subject to the IMF 's prioritization process 
(which allocates resources for the provision of CD across countries and workstreams) and adequacy 
to the IMF mandate and expertise.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
• IMF Resident Representative Offices  
https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/ResRep   
• IMF Regional Capacity Development Centers providing CD support to customs administration  
o African Regional Technical Assistance Center in  East Africa (AFRITAC East)  
https://www.eastafritac.org/   
o African Regional Technical Assistance Center in Central Africa (AFRITAC Central)  
https://www.afritaccentre .org/ (French speaking center)  
o African Regional Technical Assistance Center in South Africa (AFRITAC South)  
https://www.southafritac.org/   
o African Regional Technical Assistance Center in West Africa 1 (AFRITAC  West1)  
https://www.afritacouest.org/  (French speaking center)  
o African Regional Technical Assistance Center in West Africa 2 (AFRITAC West2)  
https://www.afritacouest.org/   
o Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (CARTAC)  
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  o Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia Regional Capacity Devel opment Center 
(CCAMTAC)  
https://ccamtac.imf.org/   
o Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic Regional Technical Assistance 
Center (CAPTAC -DR)  
https://www.captac -dr.org/content/captacdr/es.html  (Spanish speaking center)  
o Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC)  
http://www.imfmetac.org/content/metac/en1.html   
o Pacific Technical Assistance Center (PFTAC)  
https://www.pftac.org/  
o South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Center (SARTTAC)  
https://www.sarttac.org/   
 
• Examples of IMF knowledge sharing:  
o Publication: Customs Matters: Strengthening Customs Administration in a Changing 
World (June 2022) www.elibrary.imf.org/customsmatters  
o Data source (jointly managed with the WCO): International Survey on Customs 
Administration (ISOCA, regularly updated) https://data.rafit.org/?sk=8234d071 -
b89c -4876 -8bba -791b9a33ddfe&sId=1 635259677768   
o Guidance Note: Priority Measures for Customs Administrations (April 2020) 
https://www.imf.org/ -/media/Files/Publications/covid19 -special -notes/en -special -
series -on-covid-19-priority -measures -for-customs -administrations.ashx   
 
Online training: Virtual Training to Advance Revenue Administration (strategic and governance 
issues, regularly updated) https://www.imf.or g/en/Capacity -
Development/Training/ICDTC/Search?sortby=Relevancy&sortdir=Descending&keywords=VITARA  
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE  (ITC)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) offers a comprehensive range of trade facilitation services 
to its beneficiaries towards implementation of the TFA, factoring in the business perspective and 
with continuous engagement and cooperation between stakeholders at its core.  
1.2.  ITC provides support to public and private trade actors, including National Trade Facilitation 
Committees (NTFCs), to implement a wide range of TFA oblig ations, strengthening WTO Members ' 
national preparedness to operationalize the measures of the Agreement, and thus meet their WTO 
commitments. It does so by reviewing or supporting the establishment of the national legal 
framework enabling the implementati on of the TFA measures, and by providing support to practically 
operationalize the measures with private sector 's involvement in the overall process.  
1.3.  ITC also assists beneficiary countries to request financial and technical assistance to achieve 
implement ation of Category C commitments.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES  
2.1.  With technical assistance delivered in more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the 
Middle East, ITC is keeping the momentum high for trade faci litation reforms, providing tailored 
advisory services and practical support for the implementation of TFA measures. Transparency, 
simplification and digitalization of border procedures are at the core of ITC assistance, advanced 
through an inclusive and c onsultative approach, and amplified as a response to COVID -19 
disruptions .  
Building national dialogue and capacity to understand, implement and monitor the 
implementation of the TFA  
2.2.  ITC is supporting public and private stakeholders worldwide to build thei r capacity to 
understand TFA requirements and their ensuing benefits, prioritize and sequence successfully for 
their implementation, and establish or strengthen National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) 
to stir the design, operationalization and monit oring of trade facilitation reforms.  
2.3.  In Nepal, ITC has recently supported the review of Category C commitments, identify needs 
and requirements for technical assistance, and notify indicative dates for their implementation to 
the WTO. In Jordan, ITC is su pporting stakeholders to review and refine the implementation 
modalities of Category A commitments, whereas in Iraq and Uzbekistan, ITC is conducting a review 
of the national compliance with TFA requirements in preparation for accession to the WTO. Finally , 
ITC is supporting the organization of a national donor panel in Burkina Faso to implement its TFA 
implementation roadmap.  
2.4.  ITC is also supporting NTFCs – at all stages of maturity – to set up or strengthen their 
institutional set -up, operations and networ k (Article 23.2). ITC is notably assisting Uzbekistan and 
Iraq to establish their NTFC, Nepal to build consensus and initial capacity -building on NTFC 's 
organizational structure, mandate and operations, Pakistan to revitalize its NTFC 's operations and 
Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso and the Philippines to strengthen their NTFC 's performance and practices.  
2.5.  With a view to deepen regional integration, ITC is also fostering dialogue and capacity -building 
on regional approaches to TFA implementation in the East African  Community (EAC), supporting 
policymakers and stakeholders to harmonize trade facilitation reforms and targets at the regional 
economic community (REC) level (Article 24.5).  
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  Supporting the implementation of transparency measures of the TFA  
2.6.  ITC is augmentin g its support to establish or enhance Trade Facilitation Portals (TFPs) in 
beneficiary countries, in collaboration with UNCTAD, with a view to boost implementation of the 
transparency measures (Article 1.1 and 1.2) enshrined in the TFA. TFPs are a digital solution serving 
as a one -stop-shop providing up -to-date information on export, import and transit procedures and 
formalities in an easily accessible manner.  
2.7.  In particular, ITC has successfully supported Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Burkina Faso and Burundi to 
launch their national TFP and is actively supporting Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and 
Pakistan to establish theirs. ITC is also supporting Jordan, Kyrgyzs tan, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Kenya, 
Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka to update and enhance their TFP 's features. In 
Tajikistan, ITC is also introducing the publication of the commentary to the Customs code (Article 
1.1).  
Supporting the im plementation of efficiency measures of the TFA  
2.8.  In an effort to make customs procedures more efficient and predictable, ITC is providing 
technical assistance to establish or review the national legal and regulatory framework to implement 
selected TFA measu res. In Niger and Jordan, ITC has been supporting policymakers to develop and 
operationalize the legal and regulatory framework to issue advance rulings (Article 3) and piloted its 
implementation with the private sector. ITC has also recently supported Taj ikistan 's Customs 
administration to introduce provisions in the Customs code allowing companies, which meet pre -
defined criteria, to apply for the authorized operator (AO) status and benefit from several facilitative 
measures, as stipulated in Article 7.7.  In the Philippines, ITC is working to enhance the AEO scheme 
as well as e -commerce clearance procedures. ITC is also supporting border agencies in Jordan to 
implement a consultation mechanism as stipulated in Article 2.2, as well as a mechanism for review  
and appeal (Article 4).  
2.9.  Complementarily, ITC is strengthening mechanisms for border agency cooperation (Article 8) 
to apply more efficient controls and streamlined procedures. In Pakistan, ITC is developing a 
framework methodology for border agency cooper ation at Customs border stations. To make cross -
border procedures faster and simpler, ITC is supporting the establishment of an integrated risk 
management system in line with Article 7.4, the implementation of a pre -arrival processing (Article 
7.1) system,  the publication of average release times (Article 7.6), the acceptance of copies (Article 
10.2) and the enhancement of the advance rulings (Article 3) and post -clearance audit (Article 7.5) 
systems in a number of countries, including Guinea, Uzbekistan, J ordan, Pakistan and the 
Philippines.  
2.10.   ITC is also supporting the simplification and digitalization of border procedure and trade 
formalities. Using TFPs tools through national and regional partnerships, ITC is building capacity to 
harmonize and simplify tr ade formalities in the spirit of Article 10.1 of the TFA, such as in Sri Lanka, 
Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Burkina Faso. ITC is also working in Sri Lanka 
to implement the automated processing and electronic issuance of certificates  of origin and to 
establish an electronic payment gateway to curb unnecessary delays and costs for micro, small and 
medium enterprises (MSMEs).  
2.11.   ITC is also working with Customs administrations in Central Asia to support gender -responsive 
trade facilitation reforms, in particular through trainings of border officials and women traders. These 
trainings allow trade policymakers, Customs officers and border officials to understand why 
facilitating trade for women is important, while highlighting constraints that women face when 
engaging in international trade.  
Enhancing business capacity to benefit from TFA and strengthening compliance with 
internatio nal trade procedures  
ITC directly assists businesses, in particular MSMEs, to enhance their regulatory compliance with 
trade formalities and procedures and ensure that they can benefit from a meaningful implementation 
of the TFA – including through e -learning courses on the TFA, on -site coaching and advocacy support.  
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  ITC is delivering on -the-job coaching and advisory services to SMEs to improve their compliance 
level with cross -border management requirements and cut the time and cost of doing business.  
 
ITC is also strengthened private sector and trade -support institutions (TSIs) ' capacity to advocate 
for effective policy and sectoral trade facilitation reforms at the national and regional level, notably 
in the EAC region, as well as their representation in the NTFC to cater for businesses ' needs in the 
reform process.  
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
ITC is delivering its technical assistance on TFA implementation in the context of multi -annual trade -
related projects that are being implemented in specific coun tries and regions. The portfolio of trade 
facilitation services provided to beneficiary clients is hence pre -determined under the framework of 
these country -specific or region -specific trade facilitation technical assistance programmes. 
Nonetheless, with t he support of additional funding, ITC can further assist clients to capitalize on 
the implementation of the TFA.  
 
4  YOUR CONTACT POINT AT ITC  
Interested WTO members and development partners may contact Dr. Mohammad Saeed, Chief, 
Trade Facilitation and Policy  for Business, at saeed@intracen.org , +41227300126, to receive further 
information on ITC 's trade facilitation portfolio of services and technical assistance.  
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ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD) is an international 
organization working to promote policies that w ill improve the economic and social well -being of 
people around the world. The OECD provides a knowledge hub for data and analysis and a unique 
forum in which governments can work together to share experiences, best practices and seek 
solutions to common p roblems.  
1.2.  To help governments improve their border procedures, reduce trade costs, boost trade flows 
and reap greater benefits from international trade, the OECD has developed a set of Trade 
Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) that identify areas for action and enable the potential impact of trade 
facilitation reforms to be assessed: https://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/trade -facilitation/ . The OECD 
TFIs are strongly linked to the policy areas cov ered by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The 
indicators thus cover the full spectrum of border procedures for more than 160 economies across 
different income levels, geographical regions, and levels of development. Each TFI is composed of 
several spec ific, precise and fact -based variables on existing trade -related policies and regulations 
and their implementation in practice. The OECD TFIs allow countries to identify their strengths and 
weaknesses in trade facilitation, prioritize areas for action, and  mobilize technical assistance and 
capacity building in a more targeted way. The TFIs not only measure the actual extent to which 
countries have introduced and implemented trade facilitation measures in absolute terms, but also 
their performance relative t o others, using a series of quantitative measures on key areas of the 
border process.  
1.3.  The TFIs  have been used for a wide range of empirical analyses, assessing among others the 
impacts of trade facilitation reforms on trade costs, trade flows in various goods sectors (e.g. agro -
food, pharmaceutical and chemicals, machinery and other manufacturing g oods), trade in small 
parcels, and participation of MSMEs in international trade as exporters and importers.  
2  DONOR SUPPORT (I.E. ODA AND OOF) FOR TRADE FACILITATION PROGRAMMES ARE 
RECORDED IN THE OECD CREDITOR REPORTING SYSTEM (CRS) UNDER THE HEADING 
'TRAD E FACILITATION': HTTPS://STATS.OECD.ORG/QWIDS/ .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF 
ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
OECD TFIs 2021 -22 update cycle  
2.1.  The data underpinning the OECD TFIs are updated every two years. Information for 2021 -22 
is foreseen to be made available by the beginning of Q3 2022 through the TFIs online visualization 
tools. This allows economies to track their progress since 2013, when the project was launched, as 
well as t o assess key challenges.  
2.2.  The update will be accompanied by a working paper with a special focus on international co -
operation through mechanisms of border agency co -operation, also covering relevant developments 
during the COVID -19 pandemic. The analysis h ighlights there is scope to build on COVID -19 inter -
agency co -operation structures to enhance crises responsiveness and resilience, as well as 
international co -operation more broadly.  
OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) visualization tools  
2.3.  The OECD T FIs data can be accessed through the Compare your Country tool, which allows to 
explore the performance of various countries or groups of countries as well as to visualize worldwide 
progress across specific trade facilitation areas. The Policy Simulator to ol allows to discover the key 
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  measures driving the performance of a selected country in a specific indicator and simulate the 
effects of potential policy reforms on the overall performance.  
OECD COVID -19 Policy Responses Hub  
2.4.  COVID -19 issues have continued to be mainstreamed under different areas of the OECD's work, 
including trade facilitation. Several policy -relevant and timely analyses on trade facilitation issues 
were released on the OECD COVID -19 Policy Responses Hub: 
https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/en/ . 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Any enquiries regarding the OECD work on trade facilitation and the OECD Trade Facilitation 
Indicators can be directed to: Ms. Silvia Sorescu, Emerging Policy Issues Division , Trade and 
Agriculture Directorate ( silvia.sorescu@oecd.org ). 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators visualization tools: Compare your Country 
https://www.compareyourcountry.org/trade -facilitation  and Policy Simulator  
https://sim.oecd.org/default.ashx?ds=TFI . More information o n the TFIs and the trade facilitation 
work: https://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/trade -facilitation/ . 
4.2.  Seizing opportunities for digital trade  – in the Development Co -operation Report 2021 :  
Shaping a Just Digital Transformation  (https://oe.cd/il/4wB  ) includes a discussion on how digital 
trade facilitation tools can help reduce the costs of trade at different stages of the supply chain, 
particularly for d eveloping countries and micro, small and medium -size enterprises (MSMEs).  
4.3.  Trade in the time of parcels  (https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/trade/trade -in-the-time-of-
parcels_0faac348 -en) shows that progress on digital connectivity and trade facilitation measures, 
such as increased transparency or automating border processes, are likely to have a greater trade -
enhancing impact on small parcels trade than on "traditional"  trade.  
4.4.  Trade facilitation in perishable agro -food products: A feasibility study for addressing at -the-
border challenges  (https://one.oecd.org/document/TAD/TC/WP(2020)16/FINAL/en /pdf) provides a 
feasibility assessment that analyses how a new sub -set of OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) 
could be used for a more complete picture of the current performance of border processes for 
perishable agro -food goods.  
Digital opportunit ies for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems and the trade facilitation effects 
of SPS electronic certification  (https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/agriculture -and-food/digital -
opportunities -for-sanitary -and-phytosanitary -sps-systems -and-the-trade -facilitation -effects -of-
sps-electronic -certification_cbb7d0f6 -en) assesses the effects of the use of electronic SPS 
certificat es on agro -food trade, as well as the challenges and policy implications for a more successful 
adoption of such digital technologies for facilitating trade.   G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
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UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  (UNCTAD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZA TION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  UNCTAD provides a broad range of technical assistance and capacity building act ivities 
in the field of trade facilitation, including a) Elaboration of trade facilitation road maps, 
implementation plans and needs assessments, b) assistance with the ratification, categorization and 
notification of WTO TFA obligations; c) Development of  project proposals and plans; and d) Advisory 
services in all fields of trade, transit and transport facilitation reforms.  
1.2.  UNCTAD delivers targeted and specialized training and support on trade facilitation, 
including to national trade facilitation commit tees through the UNCTAD Empowerment 
Program , comprising Monitoring and evaluation support of trade facilitation initiatives; Physical and 
online capacity -building and technical assistance on trade facilitation reforms; as well as assistance 
with the implem entation of trade facilitation measures. UNCTAD has developed a dedicated e -
Learning platform providing 10 specialized training modules on trade facilitation and is developing a 
new series of e -Coaching modules assisting national committees on their operat ions. 
1.3.  UNCTAD has launched a web -based project management and monitoring tool for 
implementation of trade facilitation reforms, the so -called Reform Tracker . The tool is 
presently being implemented with more than 19 countries.  
1.4.  UNCTAD provides a specialized training on transit collaboration and transit 
coordinators toward the implementation of WTO TFA Articles 11.16 and 17 on . The training 
is predominantly provided on regional or sub -regional basis to appointed or designated transit 
coordinators. Interested c ountries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out this program.  
1.5.  UNCTAD provides support in the field of transparency and simplification  through the 
dedicated UNCTAD Trade Information Portal  initiative with a view to fulfill the obligations of TFA 
Art. 1 .2 
1.6.  UNCTAD offers extensive assistance world -wide in the field of Customs and trade 
automation  through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) program. UNCTAD also 
support the implementation of Single Window solutions, including legal assessments an d creating 
the necessary legal frameworks.  
1.7.  Please visit the UNCTAD Trade Logistics , Trade Facilitation , ASYCUDA  and Trade Information 
Portals  web sites as indicated below.  
2  BRIE F DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  In the context of the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2021  that was launched 
in October 2021 by UNESCAP, UNCTAD and UNEP at the World Trade Organization Enviro nment 
Week UNCTAD has initiated work on Climate -Smart Trade and Transport facilitation  to evaluate 
the environmental impact of moving towards climate smart solutions. Please see link below.  
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  2.2.  In February 2022, UNCTAD, with support of other international orga nizations organized a 
Global Forum on National Trade Facilitation Committees  where international experts were 
invited to update participants on latest trends in the WTO TFA  implementation at both national and 
regional level. Members of the NTFCs are also guided on benefits from digital economy and latest 
technologies while policymakers, customs officers and business representatives drove the discussion 
on success factors in the implementation of trade facilitation reforms. Participants were given an 
opportunity to network during the event with different stakeholders. Please see link below.  
2.3.  UNCTAD revamped the on -line database on trade facilitation committees around the 
world . Please see the link below. The data base provides information about more than 130 NTFCs 
around the world. UNCTAD is continuously adding new information about NTFCs to the platform 
based on information received from countries. Countries are encouraged to u pdate information about 
their NTFCs or add information about their NTFCs in cases where this is missing.  
2.4.  The online course on Gender perspectives on Trade Facilitation Reforms  is now available 
in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese and has been deliver ed in 26 countries.  
2.5.  UNCTAD recently launched an online course on How to use the Reform Tracker  in English 
and French. It will soon be available in Spanish. Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for 
support to roll -out this program, which is constantly working on new courses.  
2.6.  The Rapid Scan methodology assessing the preparedness of countries of crisis 
management in the field of trade facilitation  is implemented in 6 countries. These assessments 
also provide local capacity building.  
2.7.  In May 2022, a worksh op on transit challenges and available solutions was organized by 
UNCTAD in Mongolia.  
2.8.  The UNCTAD Trade Information Portals is currently being implemented in more than 15 
countries and will be introduced to 6 more countries.  
2.9.  UNCTAD is co -organizing this Jun e 2022 with Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and World 
Trade Organisation the first ever Trade Facilitation Innovation Days 2022 . This aims to bring 
together a diverse community of stakeholders relevant to trade facilitation to advance innovation 
still needed in the world of international trade.  
2.10.   In general, the UNCTAD ASYCUDA program for Customs and Trade Automation  
provides a host of automation options in relation to implementation of Customs and trade facilitation, 
also including Single Window solu tions. Its systems are running or being implemented in 100 
countries and territories. Please see link below.  
2.11.   ASYHUB  is an open, standardized, platform developed for the processing and integration of 
data between ASYCUDAWorld and other external systems. Th e platform is designed to be cloud -
native, using micro service -centered principles. It will be piloted by Cambodia and Sri Lanka in 2022.  
2.12.   ASYREC,  developed in cooperation with OCHA, facilitates and expedites the processing of 
international relief during hu manitarian crisis, natural disasters, and complex emergencies such as 
the COVID -19 pandemic. It will be piloted in Vanuatu in 2022.  
2.13.   The eCITES , developed in cooperation with CITES, is a cloud -based electronic permit system 
offering automated support for pe rmit application, processing, issuance and reporting for the 
international trade of endangered species of fauna and flora. The system will be implemented in 
Mozambique in 2022.  
2.14.   Upon request from WTO, ASYCUDA developed the ASYCUDA Automatic Data Notificatio n Tool 
(ASYADN). It consists of a software module that facilitates the compilation of trade statistics via the 
extraction of recurring trade data for the WTO 's Integrated Database (IDB). The solution was 
successfully launched in Cote d 'Ivoire and Madagasca r in 2021.  G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
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  3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  For Trade Facilitation, trade portals etc.  
Mr. Poul Hansen, Chief, Trade Facilitation Section  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva, Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 32 58 or +41 79 4444 366  
E-Mail: poul.hansen@unctad.org  or tfs@unctad.org  
 
3.2.  For ASYCUDA  
Mr. Fabrice Millet  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva, Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 20 59  
E-Mail: fabrice.millet@unctad.org  
 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
UNCTAD Websites  
4.1.  Link to the website for the UN Development Account project: Transport and trade connectivity 
in the age of pandemics https://unttc.org/about   
4.2.  UNCTAD web site on Trade Logistics https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics  and 
Trade Facilitation https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics/trade -facilitation  
4.3.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA Program https://asycuda.org  
4.4.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA ASYREC https://www.asyrec.asycuda.org/  
4.5.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA ASYHUB https://www.asyhub.org/  
4.6.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA case studies https://asycuda.org/en/case -studies/ . 
4.7.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA eCITES https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/dtlasycuda_inf2019d2_en.pdf  
4.8.  UNCTAD  Online -database of Trade Facilitation Committees around the world 
https://unctad.org/tfc  
4.9.  UNCTAD Reform Tracker https://reformtracker.org/   
4.10.   UNCTAD Trade Facilitation E -learni ng platform (the details of the platform is password 
protected for participating NTFCs) https://tfelearning.unctad.org/  
4.11.   UNCTAD Trade Information Portal Website http://tradeportal.eregulations.org/?l=en  
 
Videos  
4.12.   UNCTAD e -Learning Platform for National Trade Facilitation Committees https://youtu.be/5b -
5DW5bCFM  
4.13.   Delivering UNCTAD Course on Gender Perspectives in T rade Facilitation Reforms in Africa 
https://youtu.be/F825bXfE_FU  
4.14.   UNCTAD Reform Tracker https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade -logistics/trade -
facilitation/reform -tracker  G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
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  4.15.   UNCTAD Empowerment Programme for National Trade Facilitation Bodies 
https://youtu.be/NZLI_2LGolQ  
Studies, articles, and reports  
4.16.   ASYCUDA Newsletter https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/dtlas ycudainf2021d1_en.pdf  
4.17.   Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2021: Accelerating Climate smart Trade and 
Investment for Sustainable Development  https://unescap.org/kp/APTIR2021   
4.18.   Gender Policy Brief https://unctad.org/webflyer/integrating -gender -perspective -trade -
facilitation -reforms   
4.19.   National Trade Facilitation Committees as coordinators of trade facilitatio n reform 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/dtltlb2020d1_en.pdf  
4.20.   Technical notes on Trade Facilitation https://unctad.org/webflyer/getting -down -business -
making -most-wto-trade -facilitation -agreement , Background documents   
4.21.   UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-
trade -logistics/transport -newsletter  
 
  G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
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WORLD BANK GROUP  (WBG)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The WBG is the one of the largest multilateral providers of financial and technical assistance 
support for trade facilitation, and the TFA provides the framework for the WBG's trade facilitation 
support to more than 70 countries. The WBG works closely with the WTO, and other partners 
(including Annex D) and donors, in supporting developing and least developed countries in TFA 
implementation. WBG support on trade facilitati on is implemented through a mix of technical 
assistance, investment lending, and policy development operations.  
1.2.  The WBG provides global TFA implementation support through the Trade Facilitation Support 
Program (TFSP) - its flagship trust fund program launc hed in 2014.  The TFSP has provided or is 
providing multi -year implementation assistance to 48+ countries and is supported by Australia, 
Canada, the European Union, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom 
and the United States.  The WBG previously also provided support to five middle income countries 
through the Trade Facilitation Programme in Middle Income Countries, which was supported by the 
UK. 
1.3.  The WBG assists countries to identify existing constraints and bottlenecks to cross -border 
trade; design and plan for the implementation of practical and demand -driven reforms; support the 
sustainability of public -private dialogue mechanisms, and increase the predictability, transparency, 
and harmonization of systems and procedures in line w ith international standards covering import, 
export, and transit activities. The WBG focuses on supporting the full and effective implementation 
of the WTO TFA and related trade facilitation reforms through a whole -of-government approach that 
takes into ac count the varied capacities of border agencies to implement reforms.  
1.4.  Supported technical assistance can include help with preparatory activities (such as preparing 
for ratification of the WTO TFA or scheduling commitments), capacity building (such as stre ngthening 
the National Trade Facilitation Committee), technical assistance (such as establishing and publishing 
average release times), and/or regional activities (such as implementing external border agency 
collaboration).  
1.5.  Recognizing the important roles  of both the public and private sectors in trade facilitation, the 
World Bank Group implements support by drawing on the unique expertise of both the World Bank, 
the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and partnerships with other Annex D organizations . 
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  As countries continue to fight the COVID -19 pandemic and work towards recovery, the WBG is 
continuing to support countries in implementing and utilizing best prac tices for border processes and 
procedures to maintain business continuity and keep trade flowing. This includes implementing 
paperless and automated systems, providing transparent access to information for traders, 
streamlining of customs and border agency  procedures, harmonizing processes to limit the impact 
of the pandemic, and implementing special regimes for the import, export, and transit of the COVID -
19 vaccines and ancillary medical products. These reforms, when fully and effectively implemented, 
can help countries build resilience against future crises that may impact trade. As recovery 
continues, the WBG looks forward to leveraging the critical focus on TFA implementation in 
coordination with TFAF, TFSP donors, and WTO Members.   
2.2.  Enhanced focus has b een placed on women -led firms in cross -border trade. The WBG designed 
a survey to collect sex -disaggregated data on the challenges that women traders (at the firm -level) 
face to inform the design of future trade facilitation projects.  
G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
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  2.3.  Emphasis is placed o n supporting sustainable reforms – interventions that continue to generate 
results and gains for stakeholders even after WBG support is completed. This is achieved through 
providing extensive training, fostering ownership and leadership, and implementing r eforms that are 
binding.  
2.4.  The WBG continues excellent cooperation and coordination with TFAF to ensure 
complementarity of activities. For example, the WBG joined TFAF at the Aid -for-Trade Stocktaking 
Event, and the series of guidance notes developed by the  WBG on COVID -19 and trade were also 
published on TFAF 's website.   
2.5.  Examples of WBG knowledge products providing guidance in addressing key challenges related 
to the pandemic include:  
Video:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2020/06/22/managing -risk-and-facilitating -
trade -during -covid-19 
Guidance Notes:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
 English  | Español  | Français | Português  | Русский  
 
• Trade Facilitation Best Practices Implemented in Response to the COVID -19 Pandemic 
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/824081587487261551/pdf/Trade -and-
COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Trade -Facilitation -Best-Practices -Implemented -in-Response -to-
the-COVID -19-Pandemic.pdf  
 
• Recomendaciones sobre mejores prácticas en facilitac ión de comercio para Centroamérica 
como resultado de covid -19  
 
Blogs:  
• Trade facilitation: Critical to COVID -19 recovery  
• Digital Trade Can Help North Macedonia Build Back Better Post -COVID -19  
• Managing organizational performance in Customs during a crisis period  
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
• World Bank Group TFSP webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/trade -facilitation -support -program  
 
• WBG Trade and COVID -19 Resources Webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade/brief/trade -and-covid-19 
 
• WBG Trade Facilitation & Gender Surveys  
Brazil  | The Philippines  | South Africa  | Pacific Islands and Timor -Leste (Regional 
report)  | Fiji | Papa New Guinea  | Samoa  | Vanuatu  | Timor -Leste  
• WBG Video  
Video: Unlocking Trade for Women in the Pacific  
• WBG Blogs   
Helping women entrepreneurs break into global markets by overcoming challenges at 
the border  | Montenegro Cuts Import Clearance Time: 8 Hours to 30 Minutes  
  G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
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WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION  (WCO)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION  OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The World Customs Organization (WCO ) is the only intergovernmental organization dealing 
with Customs matters. It provides TFA support to its Members through its Mercator Programme 
launched in June 2014. The Mercator Programme follows a dual -track approach that is comprised of 
overall and ta ilor-made tracks, allowing the WCO to respond to important cross -cutting, as well as 
country specific challenges to TFA implementation. The Mercator Programme is a unique initiative 
that allows for uniform implementation of the TFA by applying WCO instrume nts and tools and is 
supported by the practical experiences of the global Customs community. It has been evolving to 
address the needs and requirements of the Membership, including those arising from the challenges 
faced by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
2  BRIEF DES CRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
Overall track of the Mercator Programme  
2.1.  A number of tools and guidance materials will be presented to the Policy Commission and/or 
Council  and completed in June 2022:  
• Self-Assessment Checklist to be incorporated as an annex into the WCO Guidelines on 
Disaster Management and Supply Chain Continuity;  
• Revised E -Commerce Framework of Standard and the Technical Specifications to the 
Framework;  
• 3rd Edition of the Compendium of Case  Studies on E -Commerce;  
• Updated Secretariat Note on Expanding the Concept of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) 
to Cross -Border E -Commerce;  
• WCO/WTO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies;  
• WCO Railway Guidance;  
• Updated Coordinated Border Management (CBM)  Compendium with the new section relating 
to Basel Convention implementation in the Customs context;  
• Updated Advance Passenger Information (API) Guidelines;  
• Updated  Diagnostic Tool on PCA and Infrastructure;  
• Updated How to Audit Typology;   
• Update of "the Guide for tec hnical  update of preferential rules of origin " to capture HS 2022 
amendment.   
 
2.2.  The following guidance tools and materials are under development or update:  
• Guidelines on Fighting Against Valuation Fraud;  
• Risk Management Compendium Volume 2.  
 
2.3.  As a continuation of the efforts deployed in order to pool good practices and experiences on 
implementation of advance rulings, the WCO launched an online survey to collect information about 
the practices of WCO Members that will be used in the update of  the Technical Guidelines on advance 
rulings for classification, origin and valuation (June 2015), in particular in regards to the time periods 
at the various stages governing this mechanism, such as the periods for issuance, admissibility, 
review or appea l. In addition, a "post-implementation " diagnostic tool of the advance rulings 
mechanism will be implemented, which will allow administrations to assess whether their national 
legislation complies with the requirements of Article 3 of the TFA.  
G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
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  2.4.  A paper "The role of advanced technologies in cross -border trade: A Customs perspective " was 
developed jointly with the WTO using the results from the WCO 's Annual Consolidated Survey. The 
paper provides insights on the implementation state of play by Customs for the following three 
groups of technologies: 1. Blockchain/distributed ledger technology; 2. Internet of things; and 3. 
Big data, data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The WCO and the WTO held a 
webinar to launch this joint publication o n 29 March 2022.  The full publication can be accessed here.  
2.5.  The WCO  Study Report on Disruptive Technologies was adopted as a living tool at the June 
2019 Council Session. Three years after, the Study Report has been updated in partnership with the 
WTO, with the aim of covering the overall international trade context in wh ich Customs 
administrations play an important role. The WCO/WTO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies 
2022 includes findings from the WCO/WTO paper mentioned above. It also includes lessons learnt 
and recommendations stemming from the round of WCO 's regi onal online experience -sharing 
workshops held in 2021 and 2022, as well as updated and new use cases provided by Members and 
other stakeholders. The Study Report will be presented to the Council in June 2022 for final approval.  
2.6.  During the current financia l year, national and regional workshops continue in the areas of TFA, 
e-commerce, performance measurement, risk management, data analytics, post -clearance audit, 
advance rulings, COVID -19, disruptive technologies, free zones, and in many other areas.  
Tailo r-made track of the Mercator Programme  
2.7.  The WCO has remained responsive and proactive to the TFA implementation needs of its 
Members and has continued to provide effective technical support and capacity building assistance 
through the now established virtua l delivery approach. The Mercator diagnostic assessment 
missions, anyway, are being conducted physically.  
2.8.  Since October 2021, with the assistance of Member Experts, over 110 on -line, blended and in -
country support activities have been successfully deliver ed and many more are planned for later in 
2022.  Almost 90 of these activities were delivered under the multi -year (MY) Mercator operating 
model that is based on medium to long -term engagements and employs a project -based approach.  
The WCO currently has 57 Customs administrations benefiting from MY Mercator partnerships.  
2.9.  Delivered activities have included several Mercator diagnostic assessments and strategic 
planning support missions along with activities closely associated with specific Articles of the TFA 
including, post -clearance audit, risk management, time release study, amongst others.   
2.10.   Throughout the period, engagements with many MY Mercator beneficiaries has seen work to 
review Implementation Plans, provide implementation status updates and the comple tion of Maturity 
Model assessments that provide an important baseline against which future TFA implementation 
progress and maturity can be measured and reported.  
2.11.   The Mercator Programme Advisor (MPA) Handbook that provides detailed guidance to WCO 
Experts conducting both virtual and physical strategic support missions on behalf of the WCO has 
been updated, the MPA Forum on the WCO CLiKC! e -learning platform has been refreshed. Work 
continues on updating Mercator Programme brochure, which is due to be publis hed during the first 
quarter of 2022/2023 financial year.  
COVID -19 related work  
2.12.   Work related to the COVID -19 pandemic and the implementation of a dedicated WCO 's Action 
Plan remained a priority in the period since the last update to the WTO Trade Facilitat ion Committee 
in October 2021.  
2.13.   In June 2021, the WCO adopted the Guidelines on D isaster Management and Supply Chain 
Continuity  (Fr, Es, Ru) that were developed under the COVID -19 project funded by the Government 
of Japan . The Guidelines continue to be updated. Since October 2021, the WCO organized an online 
regional workshop for the Asia -Pacific Region and two online sub -regional workshops; one for Pacific 
Islands in collaboration with the Oceania Custo ms Organization (OCO) and one for the Central 
American Customs Committee Members. Several workshops were organized at the national level for 
Members having requested the Project 's support, such as Guatemala, Comoros, Angola and G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
- 19 - 
 
  Dominican Republic. Until Ju ne 2022, three additional national workshops will be held for Haiti, 
Cameroon and Tonga.  
2.14.   In February 2022, the WCO updated the Harmonised System (HS) classification reference 
lists for medical supplies, priority medicines, medical substances, and vaccines and related 
equipment to reflect the amendments to the HS 2022 edition. The lists are available on the sections 
of the WCO web -site dedicated to COVID -19 and to the COVID -19 vaccines distribution . 
2.15.   While facilitating legitimate trade and in the framewor k of its COVID -19 Action Plan, the WCO 
and 146 Members launched, on 30 April 2021, the coordinated Customs Operation, STOP II, that 
aims to intercept, seize and destroy cross -border consignments of illicit vaccines, medicines and 
medical supplies linked to  COVID -19 with the support of 11 WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices 
(RILO), international organizations (Europol, INTERPOL, OLAF, UNODC and WHO) and some private 
sector actors. In total, 365.7 million pieces of medicines, vaccines and medical device s were seized. 
Following the success of Operation STOP II and in the light of the Policy Commission 's guidance, the 
WCO launched phase 3 of the Operation with more Members (160) from May 20 to June 4, 2022.  
2.16.   Several activities were carried out under this O peration to limit the spread of illicit vaccines 
around the world namely; - Global webinars  on awareness on COVID -19 vaccines: A total of 31 
webinars were conducted to share knowledge of COVID -19 vaccines and treatments approved by 
the WHO with Pfizer, Mod erna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and SINOPHARM, MSD and Novavax 
to raise awareness about COVID -19 vaccines and treatments. They were attended by a total of 2,585 
Customs officials. - Capacity building activities : 18 regional workshops, 28 other dedicat ed training 
and 2 accreditation workshops have been conducted.  - A new e -learning module on the WCO 's Click 
platform  on "Combatting illicit medicines and counterfeit or substandard medical supplies related to 
COVID -19 and other pandemics " was launched in M ay 2022. - Tools: Improvement of IPR CENcomm 
3 including the COVID -19 pre -arrival template and the Right Holder Corners. The IPR CENcomm 
COVID -19 pre -arrival information template is aimed at facilitating the Customs -to-Customs 
exchange of non -nominal data and to support Members in tackling the challenges associated with 
the requirement for a proper legal basis for the exchange of information. The Right Holder Corners 
aimed to strengthen cooperation with the private sector. A dedicated corner has been create d for 
rights holders to input the IPRCENComm essential information that can help in the fight against 
counterfeiting and piracy.  
Past and upcoming events  
2.17.   Since October 2021, the WCO organized the 2021 WCO TECH -CON (10 -11 November 2021)  
and the 16th Annual PICARD Conference (9 -10 December 2021) . It is currently in the process of 
organizing the Green Customs Global Conference (27 -28 June 2022) , the 2022 WCO Knowledge 
Academy for Customs and Tr ade (28 June - 1 July 2022) , the WCO Technology Conference and 
Exhibition (18 -20 October 2022)  and the 17th Annual PICARD Conference (8 -9 December 2022) . All 
information on WCO events can be found at a dedicated Events web page .  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  WCO Capacity Building delivery is based on multi -year project planning as well as on the annual 
Capacity Building needs assessment carried out by the Secretariat together with Member Customs 
administrations and supported by the  Regional Offices for Capacity Building (ROCBs).   
3.2.  However, in addition to this needs assessment process, developing countries and LDCs may 
submit their requests for assistance to the WCO Capacity Building Directorate 
(capacity.building@wcoomd.org ) at any time.  
3.3.  Interested development partners and donor institutions may contact the WCO Office of External 
Relations ( external.relations@wcoomd.org ) with rega rd to further cooperation, including financial 
support for technical assistance and capacity building projects.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
WCO web site: www.wcoomd.org  
 G/TFA/W/ 80 
 
- 20 - 
 
  Mercator Programme:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity -building/activities -and-programmes/mercator -
programme.aspx  
 
WCO Implementing the TFA:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/wco -implementing -the-wto-atf.aspx  
 
COVID -19 web page:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/coronavirus.aspx  
 
COVID -19 vaccines distribution  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/covid19 -vaccines -distribution.aspx  
 
 
__________