G/TFA/W/22  
18 March  2020 
(20-2151) Page: 1/19 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  Spanish  
 
  
REPORT ON THE FIRST LATIN AMERICAN MEETI NG OF  
NATIONAL TRADE FACIL ITATION COMMITTEES  
BORDER AGENC Y COOPERATION  
The following communication, dated 16 March  2020, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of C hile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, M exico, Paraguay, Per u and Uruguay for Members ' 
information . 
 
_______________  
 
 
  G/TFA/W/22  
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with the support of:  
 
 
REPORT ON THE FIRST LATIN AMERICAN MEETI NG OF  
NATIONAL TRADE FACIL ITATION COMMITTEES  
BORDER AGENC Y COOPERATION  
16 March  2020 
 
 
  
Trade Facilitation Agreement 
Facility  
G/TFA/W/22  
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  Table of contents  
 
1  INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  4 
2  OBJECTIVES OF THE M EETING ................................ ................................ .......................  4 
3  SUBJECTS DISCUSSED  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 4 
3.1  Public -private partnership  ................................ ................................ ...............................  4 
3.2  National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs)  ................................ ................................  6 
3.3  Article 5 TFA: Other measures to enhance impartiality, non -discrimination and transparency  . 7 
3.4  Article 8 TFA: Border agency cooperation  ................................ ................................ .........  8 
3.5  Article 7.4 TFA: Risk management  ................................ ................................ .................. 10 
3.6  Article 10.4 TFA: Single window (VUCE)  ................................ ................................ .......... 12 
3.7  Supervision and monitoring of domestic trade facilitation reforms, including WCO Time 
Release Study (TRS) (Article 7.6 TFA). ................................ ................................ ................... 14 
3.8  Regional strategies for TFA implementation  ................................ ................................ .....15 
3.9  Identifying priorities regarding technical assistance and donor relationships.  ....................... 16 
4  RECOMMENDATIONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 18 
 
  G/TFA/W/22  
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  REPORT ON THE FIRST LATIN AMERICAN MEETING OF  
NATIONAL TRADE FACIL ITATION COMMITTEES  
1  INTRODUCTION  
The First Latin American Meeting of National Trade Facilitation Committees (the Meeting ) was 
organiz ed by the secretar iats of the Latin American Integration Association  (LAIA – Spanish  
acronym: ALADI ) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) , with funding from the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement Facility  (TFAF). The meeting was attended by 74 participants from 17 Latin  American  
countries : Argentina, the Plurina tional State of  Bolivia, Bra zil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the 
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El  Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, M exico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, 
Peru and Uruguay. More than 25 participants made presenta tions, in which they shared national 
experienc es in relation to the subjects covered  by the Meeting . 
 
The Meeting was also attended and supported by speakers  from the WTO and the Inter-American 
Development Bank  (IDB), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Conference on 
Trade and Develop ment (UNCTAD), the I nter-American  Institute for Cooperation on Agricultur e 
(IICA), the World Organi sation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Customs Organization  (WCO) and 
the United States Agency for International Development  (USAID).  
 
The purpose of this report  is to summarize the main points discussed during the Meeting  and has 
been prepared by the WTO Secretariat on the basis of daily summaries prepared by the participants. 
It also includes participants ' comments  on a preliminar y draft of  2 December  2019. All documents 
used during the Meeting , inclu ding the  agenda, list  of participants, presenta tions, etc. , can be found 
at the following web address:  https://tfafacility.org/event/aladi 2019. 
 
This report is without prejudice to the rights and obligations of WTO Members . 
 
2  OBJECTIVES OF THE MEE TING  
The objectives of the First Latin American Meeting of National Trade Facilitation Committees  were 
as follows : 
1. To promo te experience sharing  between the members of National Trade Facilitation Committees 
(NTFCs) with a view  to identifying  common areas of learning and possible areas of cooperation.  
2. To create a space for the exchange  of national  experiences  regard ing cooperation between 
border agencies . 
3. Capacity -building  for participants concerning  better supervision  and evaluation of national 
reform s in trade facilitation.  
4. Capacity -building for  participants rega rding th e formulation of needs relating to  technical 
assistance and cooperation and the drafting of proposals.  
 
3  SUBJECTS DISCUSSED  
This section includes a general summary of each subject  discussed during the Meeting based on 
comments made by delegations at the end of each working day. It also includes a "word cloud " that 
summarizes participants ' replies to a survey conducted  by the WTO prior to the Meeting on the main 
topics addressed in it.  
 
3.1  Public-private partner ship 
The participants identifi ed the following main subjects : 
 
• Trade facilitation gives rise to r espons ibility and shared benefits . 
 
• Best practices :  
o Having an interinstitu tional group (for example , the NTFC ) that facilit ates dialogue  with the 
private sector. Using more than one forum  might reduce the effectiveness of these  efforts 
and mean that the benefits of that relationship  are not maximized.  
o Adopt ing public policies that generate benefits for all stakeholders  in foreign trade and also 
for the general public.  
• The main benefits of a good public-private partner ship includ e: G/TFA/W/22  
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  o Developing a clearer roadmap for meeting the obliga tions arising  from the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA) . 
o Establish ing a mechanism  for feedback and complementa rity between the government 
regulator y body  and the particular needs of the private sector.  
o Identify ing at-risk sectors  that the Government  should prio ritize, in order to address 
individual  operational issues that might  arise in the foreign trade supply chain.  
o Should an issue arise, the private  sector usually inputs  the necessary information to 
understand the main questions to be resolved, what impact improvement s would have,  and 
any possible solution.  
o Facilitat ing the coordination  of national efforts ( informed  decisions), through feedback of 
their experience in the implementation of trade  facilitation procedures and prior consultation  
of foreign trade regulations.  
 
• The main challenges  include : 
o Implement ing a paradigm  shift in the existing public-private partner ship so that cooperation 
is improve d. 
o Develop ing more inclusive and cooperative interact ion with the private sector.  
o Achiev ing the necessary balance between control and facilitation, which can be reinforced 
by the use of technology  and an efficient  risk management system. At the same time, 
regulations are not being updated at the pace required by the dynamism  of trade.  
o Develop ing effective control  mechanisms that are as unintrusive  as possible , even 
unnoticeable . 
o Securing  commitments  and benefits  for both parties.  
o Ensuring  that a single group  does not benefit at the expense of the majority.  
o Identify ing whether  private sector partners are really  conveying the concerns and interests  
of the s ector that they represent or individual interests.  
o Achiev ing greater openness on the p art of border agencies with regard to work ing together 
with the private  sector and promot ing capacity -building projects.  
o Identify ing a mechanism that enables consultation s with  the private  sector regarding 
regulatory  changes prior to their adoption , includ ing a regulatory impact study.  
o The private  sector must be prepared ( in terms of  systems and processes) to contribute to 
implementation as wel l as to proposing  solutions.  
 
• With regard to small and medium -sized enterprises ( SMEs ): 
o Account must be taken of the interests of all enterprises, including SMEs ; possibility of 
including representatives in the NTFC or its working groups.  
o The NTFC should identify the opportunities and benefits of implementation of the TFA for 
micro, small and medium -sized enterprises ( MSMEs ). 
o Open a working group on electronic commerce  (e-commerce) . 
o Discussion should be promoted in the NTFC regarding the costs and benefits of increasing 
de minimis and its impact on SMEs.  
o Define support with the private sector on self -certification ; the same  parties should give 
support to MSMEs.  
 
• It was useful to discover:  
o Cases of enterprises , in particular SMEs, that have been able to benefit from opportunities 
in the international markets thanks to trade facilitation measures (success stories).  
o The purpose -driven and cooperative  approach adopted by the Uruguay  Exporters ' Union , 
and in particular  the preparation of an in -depth s tudy on the costs of services by the 
authorities of other countries.  G/TFA/W/22  
- 6 - 
  Figur e 1: Survey r esult s – Partner ship between the public and private  sector s 
 
 
3.2  National Trade Facilitation Committees  (NTFCs)  
The participants identifi ed the following main subjects : 
 
• Best practices for structuring  the NTFC: 
o Seeking  to ensure that it incorporates  both the public and private sectors. In addition, aiming 
for inclusiv ity in such a way that the participation of various private sector interest groups 
contributes to  the smooth functioning  of the NTFC. 
o Ensur ing the participation of agencies  that regulate sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) 
measures.  
o Wherever  possible , and if the public -private partnership  is sufficiently mature , it is desirable 
for the private  sector to have a voice and a vote within the NTFC. 
o The Customs Service or another relevant agency  can function  as the technical secretariat of 
the NTFC. 
o Gender balance should be taken into account  in NTFC  membership.  
 
• The main challenges include : 
o Managing to implement all measures agreed on for the implementation of the TFA.  
o Effective coordination of the various component entities of the NTFC. 
o The n eed for the relevant public institutions to  establish regulations, standards and 
procedures that are in line with international standards.  
o Develop ing the NTFC on the basis of internal rules that are adequate for meeting internal  
administrative needs  (e.g. with regard to  the share of financial resou rces).  
 
• The NTFC should : 
o Ensure the existence of political will . 
o Work on the basis of a strategic plan.  
o Ensure that the number of meetings and scale of efforts  are proportional to the expected  
outcomes . 
o Develop both the technical knowledge and soft skills of NTFC members.  
o Establish  local or regional committees to disseminate the work of the NTFC; give local 
committees the possibility  to send contributions  and proposals for discussion  in the NTFC. 
o Make its work more visible through a communication plan that includes attractive 
institutional materials , such as infogra phics and videos providing information on progress 
made by the NTFC. 
Partnershipbetweenthepublicand privatesectors
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
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  o Maintain an active role in donor i dentification  and relations so as to ensure adequate  
coordination with international cooperation.  
o Take account of the experiences of other NTFCs and other good practices  with a view to 
avoid ing repetition of errors.  
o Link the NTFC to national involvement in the World Ba nk's "Doing Business " project  and the 
WTO trade policy review.  
o Include  the topic of e -commerce and postal package  management  in the committee 's 
agenda.  
 
• It was interesting to discover : 
o The experienc es of other NTFCs. 
o The concept of the "border coordina tor", i.e. an official who works at a border post in order 
to keep the NTFC informed of events on the ground and helps to resolv e issues related to 
the functioning of th at particular  border post .1 
o The support available from various organizations  (UNCTAD, USAID, World Bank,  etc.) for 
establish ing and operating NTFC s. 
Figur e 2: Survey r esults – National Trade Facilita tion Committee  (NTFC)  
 
 
3.3  Article 5 TFA: Other measures to enhance  impar tiality, non-discrimina tion and 
transparenc y 
The participants identifi ed the following main subjects : 
 
• Best practices : 
Notifica tions 
o Notifications must be made as promptly as possible, so that commercial operators can take 
the correct decisions.  
o Transparency and availability of information is fundamental to ensure  private sector 
compliance with the necessary requirements.  
o Notifications must be addressed directly to users connected with controls, and also to any 
relevant officials  at border control points. Training should focus on officials operating here.  
 
 
1 This mechanism  has been implemented in Colombia and Costa Rica.  
NationalTradeFacilitationCommittee
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
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  Second test: 
o Second tests that show  the same result as the first one help to increase confidence  in 
government  controls , because  they confirm that the first test was taken and handled 
properly.  
o It should be seen as an option , not as an obligation.  
o If a second test is permitted, this should be specified clearly in domestic  regulations  so that 
consistent practical application is ensured, including with regard to exceptions ( e.g. unique  
species) and what happens in the event of different results.  
o Regulations should be  established both for SPS cases and cases in other areas (for example, 
technical barriers to trade ( TBT) and customs  classification).  
o Allow/work on accreditation of international, regional and/or national laboratories, as 
appropriate ; organize and dissemin ate this system enabling consultation for more specific 
cases.  
 
Detention  
• In cases of detention  of goods , traders should be notified promptly . 
 
• The main challenges include ensuring that : 
o The necessary capacity for proper application of the regulations  can be acquired . 
o Measures are taken on the basis of risks and not merely obstacles, which implies having 
adequate scientif ic information.  
o A risk based  SPS inspection system is developed ; crea tion of an SPS  risk profile.  
o Any measures taken are proportional to the seriousness  of the problem , targeted  and not 
generalized.  
o Measures are adjusted or suspended qui ckly once scientific  data is available indicating that 
there is no risk.  
o SPS measures are based on international standards of the OIE, CIPP and Codex Alimentarius.  
o Inspection and testing procedures  are improved.  
 
• It was interesting to discover : 
o The operation of SPS measures, including c ertifica tion systems . 
o Points of convergence and difference between SPS systems and customs systems . 
Figur e 3: Survey r esults – Other measures to enhance  impar tiality, non-discr imination 
and transparenc y 
 
 
3.4  Article 8 TFA: Border agenc y cooperation  
The participants identifi ed the following main subjects : 
Other measures to enhance impartiality, non-discrimination and transparency
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
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  • Good practices :  
o Establ ishing mechanisms to promote the strengthening of trust. 
o Promo ting the identifica tion of simple, low-cost solutions ( e.g. WhatsApp groups to improve 
communica tion). 
o Improv ing private sector participation in this area, so as to facilitate prompt identification of 
bottlenecks.  
o Promot ing integrated control mechanisms (e.g. single physical inspections) at the national 
level, and also  implement ing integrated  controls between countries that share a border.  
o Develop ing risk management systems based on early sharing of information between 
agencies , including the use of centralized IT platforms , e.g. the single window system  
[Spanish acronym: VUCE], which, together with other advanced systems (high -resolution 
scanners, etc.) , minimize  invasive interventions  of the  goods. The platform indicates which 
institutions will intervene and according to which procedures.  
o Develop ing inter-institutional training mechanisms for public  officials and the private sector, 
if possible,  on a joint basis , with regard to topics where this is possible.  
o Develop ing indicators to monitor reforms in t his area.  
o Incorporation of health authorities in the recognition of authorized economic operators  
(AEOs) . 
o Interoperability  of systems and procedures of control bodies.  
o Establishing local committees at borders so that they can seek quick solutions to issues.  
 
• Main challenges include : 
o Maintaining political will with regard to this subject . 
o Lack of i nterinstitu tional coordination  on account of rivalry and distrust, for which possible 
remedie s might include: (1) seeking to restore confidence  informally (including before 
adopting regulations); (2) establishing standing committees on border management; and 
(3) organizing joint training  courses  so as to understand the functioning of other parties  and 
ensure mutual acquaintance to create  trust. Additional actions  include promoting 
transparency, and also mechanisms that restrict any misuse  of authority or powers of 
discretion.  
o Resistance to change that usually stems from many years of indepen dent action on the part 
of institutions. Here it is important to: (1) develop regulations in a way that takes account 
of the views of officials involved in the day -to-day operations and the issues  that they face; 
and (2) develop systems of ongoing training . 
o Lack of harmonized processes and of a clear definition of competencies, which has an impact 
on: (1) the manner  in which inspections  are undertaken and the time that they take; 
(2) working hours; (3) the procedures of control bodies. This might be remedie d through 
institutional agreements that formalize  the competencies  of the agencies  concerned, the 
creation of border committees or other mechanisms (e.g. standards  and procedures) with a 
view to integrating actions.  
o Inadequate infrastruc ture, mainly in con trol centres at the border, which limits the capacity 
of agencies  to perform  their duties efficiently. This could be resolved through projects that 
highlight needs at the border points or IT projects  that enable comprehensive inter -
institutional risk manag ement.  
o Lack of human resource  capacity, which often stems from high staff rotation. This could be 
remedied through ongoing training  mechanisms, the provision  of adequate training and 
knowledge management mechanisms.  
o Lack of interoperability of systems used by different agencies , which makes interconnection 
between them and the development of integrated  risk systems more difficult . 
Implementation  of a single window  system would be an appropriate  solution.  
o Develop a con stant measurement mechanism on the basis of appropriate indicators.  
o Financing .  
 
• The NTFC should : 
o Focus its efforts on improving coordination and communication between border agencies , 
including joint inspections; promote synergies between all control enti ties. 
o Have a work plan for on going improvement , including the provisions that were notified in 
Category A.  
o Promote the continuous study and diagnosis of problems  in this area with a view to drawing 
up an action plan and performance  indicators.  
o Promote  a sense  of teamwork  aimed at improving efficiency in border controls.  
o Develop projects for improving risk management in all control bodies.  G/TFA/W/22  
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  o Work in conjunction  with the private  sector.  
o Establish speciali zed border subcommittees.  
o Ensure standardization of different sets of institutional regulations on the basis of 
international standards (e.g. the WCO data model).  
o Take account of the social costs of re forms.  
o Establish ongoing training mechanisms.  
o Develop  concrete projects to seek funding.  
o Seek to take account of changes that could affect international trade  in the medium  and long 
term (e.g. the growing importance of e -commerce) . 
o Develop standards on the  basis of consensus between the various stakeholders.  
 
• It was interesting to discover : 
o The group exercise for sharing experiences on joint border inspections  and the type of 
controls carried out by different agencies . 
o The experiences  of other  countries with regard to improv ing coordination.  
o The SECO -WCO Global  Trade Facilitation  Programme . 
o The USAID Border Management Academy project , which  provides joint training for border 
officers from different countries.  
Figur e 4: Survey r esults – Border agenc y cooperation  
 
 
3.5  Article 7.4 TFA: Risk management  
The participants identifi ed the following main  subjects : 
 
• Good practices : 
o Using existing instruments ( e.g. single window  system ) to exchange information and trying 
to integrate  the different institutional risk management systems.  
o Unifying control agencies ' requirements for information that operators must submit in 
advance, provid ing each agency  with the information it needs so that each one can undertake 
risk management; develop risk management systems based on appropriate international 
standards  for the wo rk of each institution.  
o Develop ing a communication mechanism in which the different border agencies can 
understand the goals and working methods  of the other  institutions, so at least basic 
knowledge of other activities exists and trust increases.  
o Exchang ing information and practices between import and export agencies . 
o Establish ing risk assessment units that are independent from the risk management units, to 
avoid  any conflicts  of interest s. 
Border agency cooperation
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
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  o Develop ing risk management systems based on appropriate internatio nal standards  for the 
work of each institution.  
o Work ing with mechanisms that not only inform  but also train the economic operators.  
o Holding consultations on proposed changes with officials involved in border operations before 
implementing them, preferably  at the initial stages of planning.  
o Holding ongoing dialogue between the export and import spheres . 
 
• The main challenges include : 
o Implementing  risk management beyond  the customs administration  and in the context of 
other c ontrol  agencies . 
o Achieving better cooperation among the various institutions involved with a view to 
integrating risk management processes.  
o Develop ing the coordination system and a single information system that takes account of 
the needs of all agencies . 
o Establish ing mechanisms (e.g. audi ts) for the evaluation of risk assessment and 
management systems.  
o Determin ing whether usual practices implemented  in the exporting country could help with 
national risk assessment (e.g. through systems that meet the control requirements of the 
destination country).  
o Staff training.  
o Limited use of information technology (IT) applications.  
 
• The NTFC should : 
o Set up a working  group  or subgroup  responsible  for improving  risk management  with all of 
the relevant  stakeholders.  
o Establish  some  form of mechanism  for monitoring  and measuring  progress . 
o Attempt  to improve  communication  on this issue and raise awareness  among  committee  
members  and other  stakeholders  of the objectives  and how each agency  analyses  and 
manages  risk; a field visit could  help with this. 
o Encourage  all border  agencies  to develop  risk management  mechanisms  to identify  a model  
enabling  their future  inclusion.  
o Promote  the mapping of risk factors  for each border  agency  and prioritize  the identification  
of shared  information  needed  by all interested  agencies  for risk management  purposes;  
identify  what shared  information  is genuinely  needed.  
o Encourage  the development  of electronic  systems  for information  sharing  between  the 
various  agencies  (preferably  based  on international  standards)  so that each can improve  its 
risk management.  
o Identify  which  activity  truly requires  the use of advanced  technology  solutions  and which  
ones could  be achieved  using  alternative,  low-cost methods.  
o Look into how regional  initiatives  could  be used to improve  national risk management;  
identify  international  best practices.  
o Include  this issue in discussions  on the authorized  economic  operator  and single  window.  
 
• It was interesting  to discover:  
o That the emphasis  should  be on facilitating  safe trade  and not on abando ning supervisory  
mechanisms;  an efficient  way of implementing  them must be found.  
o How sanitary  and phytosanitary  authorities  conduct  risk assessment  and management  in 
their area.  
o The importance  of separating  risk assessment  from risk management.  
o How the Uruguayan  Customs  Service  is using  artificial  intelligence  and statistical  modelling  
in customs  risk management.  G/TFA/W/22  
- 12 - 
  Figure  5: Survey  results  – Risk management  
 
 
3.6  Article 10.4 TFA: Single window  (VUCE)  
The participants  identified  the following  main subjects : 
 
• Good  practice s: 
o Ensuring  that the single  window  (VUCE)  remains  highly  reliable.  
o Developing  a framework  that is self-sustaining  and does not become  burdensome . 
o Establishing  inter-agency  agreements  to formalize  the agencies'  commitment.  
o Including  the private  sector  in the initial  design  of the single  window  so that its concerns  and 
priorities are taken  into account;  once the single  window  is established,  maintaining  a 
dialogue  with the private  sector  to improve  it. 
o Setting  up a working  group  that focuses  exclusively  on this issue,  supervised  by the NTFC.  
o Establishing  a continuous  monitor ing plan for the single  window  and informing  the public  
(transparency)  to identify  areas  for improvement.  
o Developing  single  window  systems  that feed into the risk management.  
o Adapting  the single  window  to the various  agencies'  situations  by simplifying  and automating  
as many  procedures  as possible.  
o Developing  the single  windows  in accordance  with international  standards  so as to facilitate  
the interoperability  of national  agencies  and eventually  with other  systems  outside  the 
country.  
o Setting  up training  programmes  for officials  working  in the various  public  agencies  as well 
as from the private  sector;  using  technological  solutions  including  e-learning.  
 
• The main challenges  include:  
o Ensuring  political  support  for the development  of the single  window  and that it is 
self-sustaining.  
o Engaging  all agencies  involved  in foreign  trade,  including  inspection,  migratory  and domestic  
security  authorities , so that they also include  their procedures  in the single  window.  
o Conducting  first a reengineering  and simplification  of the procedures,  so it can serve  as the 
basis their integration  into the single  window.  
o Achieving  interoperability  of systems  and processes.  
o Develop  a single  window  that can serve  as the main mechanism  for agency  interoperability  
and using it to conduct  end-to-end foreign  trade  operations.  
o Providing  ongoing  training  for the public  and private  sector  staff involved.  
o Developing  a single  window  that preserves  the autonomy  of the different  agencies . 
o Integrating  the risk management  systems  into the single  window.  
Risk management
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
- 13 - 
  o Achieving  interoperability  of the national  single  window  with other  systems  in the country . 
o Ensuring  data security . 
o Integrating  digital  payments.  
o Increasing  private  sector  involvement  in the single  window.  
 
• The NTFC should : 
o Establish  a technical  committee  or working  group  to work directly  on developing  and 
maintaining  the single  window.  
o Assist  with the single  window's  design,  launch  and/or  maintenance.  
o Ensure  coordination  among  agencies  and periodically  review  their memorandums  of 
understanding  to simplify  procedures  and strengthen  their coordination.  
o Develop  a monitoring  and evaluation  plan for the single  window's  operations  in order  to 
identify  bottlenecks  and areas  for improvement.  
o Help the single  window  technical  committee  or working  group  to reduce  resistance  to change.  
o Channel  operati onal problems  faced  by the private  sector.  
 
• It was interesting  to discover:  
o The experiences  of a group  of countries  that already  have operational  single  windows.  
o That there  are succe ssful cases  in Latin America  and that they are willing  to share  their good 
practice s with others . 
o That a large  number  of single  windows  have been developed  in Latin America,  although  each 
is very different,  which  limits  their interoperability.  
o That countri es have each chosen  different  agencies  to run their single  windows.  
o The possible  risk of technological  flaws and the need to develop  a contingency  plan. 
o That some  single  windows  have used a model  to become  financially  self-supporting,  thus 
minimizing  political risk, including  changes  in government.  
o That some  single  windows  have established  a strategy  to make  agencies  feel data ownership;  
i.e. that the information  "is still theirs".  
o The attempts  to develop  a project  in which  the single  window  acts as a single  risk 
management  system.  
o The importance  of knowing  how to manage  conflict  and the stages  at which  the NTFC should  
intervene  with respect  to the single  window.  
o That some  countries'  processes  have been redesigned  based  on feedback  from the private  
sector. 
Figure  6: Survey  results  – Single  window  
 
 
Single window
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
- 14 - 
  3.7  Supervision and monitoring of domestic trade facilitation reforms, including WCO 
Time Release Study (TRS)  (Article 7.6 TFA)  
The participants  identified  the following  main subjects : 
 
• Good  practice s: 
o The private  sector  is involved  and has a say in the monitoring  of reforms.  
o Developing  appropriate  measurement  mechanisms  to evaluate  the reforms  resulting  from 
the TFA, including  the WCO's Time Release  Study  (TRS). These  mechanisms  should  focus on 
adequately  measuring  objectives  that are a national  priority  and not foreign  objectives.  
o Applying  the WCO's  TRS methodology  correctly  and regularly  to identify  bottlenecks  and 
help improve  clearance  times.  
o Time measurement  can be used as a baseline  to evaluate  outcomes  of NTFC action.  
o Adequately  publicizing  successes  and improvements;  alongside  the results,  indicating  the 
methodology  used.  
o Inter-agency  coordination  to avoid  duplicating  efforts  with donors.  
 
• The main challenges  include:   
o Selecting  an appropriate  methodology  and standards  to measure  the progress  of NTFC 
activities.  
o Developing  a strategic  plan in order  to design  a roadmap  that coordinates  the various  
government  agencies  and the private  sector.  
o Continuously  improving  trade  facilitation  measures.  
o Building  national  capacity  in project  management  and strategic  planning.  
o Raising  awareness  among  all authorities  of the importance  of measuring  the efficiency  of 
trade  facilitation  measures.  
o Identifying  the priority  reforms.  
o Developing  rapid alert mechanisms  to detect  operational  problems,  for example  by using  
computer  systems  that ensure  adequate  data collection  for subsequent  analysis.  
o Adequately  communicating  the outcomes  and achievements  of the reforms  promoted  by the 
Committee,  in order to achieve  a positive  impact  and to strengthen  support  for the national  
committee.  
 
• The NTFC should : 
o Develop  appropriate  measurement  and monitoring  indicators;  maintain  the methodology  
over time so that appropriate  comparisons  can be made.  
o Decide  which  methodology  will be used to measure  the average  release  time (e.g. WCO 
methodology  or an alternative ). 
o Endeavour  to centralize  information  so that periodic  measurements  can be performed.  
o Be the main communicator  and adequately  promote  the successes  of the reforms,  in order  
to foster  internal  support  and external  funding.  
o To remove  the bottlenecks,  create  corrective  activities  that identify  the chosen  measuring  
methodology  and monitor  the corrective  activities.  
 
• It was interesting  to discover:  
o Ideas about  projects  that successfully  attract ed funding.  
o The details  of how the TRS of the WCO works  in practice . 
o The SECO -WCO Global  Trade  Facilitation  Programme.  
o A number  of relevant  initiatives  by other  countries.  
o The comparison  between  the different  countries  of the region.  G/TFA/W/22  
- 15 - 
  Figure  7: Survey  results  – Oversight  and follow -up of national  trade  facilitation  reforms  
 
 
3.8  Regional strategies for TFA implementation  
The participants  identified  the following  main subjects : 
 
• Good  practice s: 
o Establishing  indicators  for measuring  and evaluating  regional  projects.  
o Establishing  coordination  mechanisms  between  the existing  national  committees.  
o Harmonizing  the national  strate gy with regional  efforts.  
o Developing  regional  systems  based  on international  standards  to facilitate  future  
coordination  with other  regions.  
 
• The main challenges  include:  
o Coordinating  the NTFC's  functions  at regional  level.  
o A lack of specific  plans  to design a roadmap  for the NTFC.  
o Developing  integrated  border  management.  
o Achieving  interoperability  of systems  and processes.  
o Raising  awareness  among  border  agencies  of the importance  of standardizing  procedures  
and, where  possible,  unifying  trade  facilitation  policies.  
o A lack of follow -up plans  for the projects  that have been completed,  which  could  compromise  
their sustainability.  
o Coordinating  trade  facilitation  policies  and plans  with policies  in other  areas.  
o Training  the various  stakeholders  on these  issues.  
o Building  and maintaining  private  sector  confidence . 
 
• The NTFC should : 
o Encourage  information -sharing  among  regional  NTFCs  to facilitate  the use of international  
standards  regarding  formats,  systems  and procedures.  
o Identify  areas  of common  interest  to develop  work with regional  partners.  
o Create  mechanisms  for ongoing  training  on trade  facilitation  for all stakeholders.  
o Identify  other  regions  with which  they could  collaborat e in specific  areas,  including  on 
improving  the efficiency  of the national committees.  
o Establish  a communication  strategy  to adequately  disseminate  regional  achievements  and 
progress.  
 
• It was interesting:  
o To discover  other  regions'  experiences  and working  methods.  
Oversight and follow-up of national TF reforms
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
- 16 - 
  o To learn that radio  frequency  identification  (RFID)  systems  can be used not only for 
measurement,  but also for risk management  and cargo  tracking.  
o To see that many  regional  approaches  appear  to be highly  bureaucratic,  which  could  
reduce  their dynamism.  
3.9  Identifying priorities regarding technical assistance and donor relationships  
The participants  identified  the following  main subjects : 
 
• Good  practice s: 
o Centralizing  projects  through  the NTFC and adopting  a strategic  approach  to project  design,  
taking  into account  how the different  projects  will interact  among  them. 
o Creating  synergies  within  the country  and ensuring  that the Committee  is aware  about  the 
existing  projects  before  submitting  a new project  to a donor , to avoid  duplication  or that 
different  agencies  request  the same  thing. 
o Before  developing  a project,  studying  the practices  and priorities  of the donor  from whom  
assistance  will be sought.  
o Documenting  and lessons  learned  from previous  project  design s, applications  and 
management  to avoid  repeating  the same  mistakes  in the future . 
o Coordinating  national  projects  with regional  projects.  
o Exploring  the possibility  of public -private  initiatives  that could  finance  some  of the projects.  
o Exploring  whether  any other  Latin American  countries  could  assist  with the project;  
supporting  other  countries  in the region  with their projects  as far as possible.  
 
• The main challenges  include:  
o Learning  to work together  at country  level rather  than at the organiza tion or agency  levels. 
o Identifying  priorities  when  requesting  technical  trade  facilitation  assistance.  
o Establishing  methodologies  for the preparation  and implementation  of projects.  
o Adequately  including  all relevant  stakeholders.  
o Establishing  a system  to monitor  completed  projects,  to be able to identify  possible  
improvements,  new goals  and updates  for them.  
o Not duplicating  projects  indiscriminately  without  considering  how they could  be customized  
to the country's  needs  and objectives.  
 
• The NTFC should : 
o Centralize  all information  on cooperation  and technical  assistance;  exchange  information  on 
the various  projects  to avoid  developing  projects  in areas  already  receiving  cooperation.  
o Involve  the national  agency  responsible  for international  cooperation  in its activities.  
o Identify  priorities  regarding  technical  assistance  and training,  and potential  donors.  
o Ensure  continuity  in the implementation  of cooperation  projects.  
o Establish  an appropriate  communication  mechanism  with the Permanent  Mission  in Geneva  
and the country's  other  diplomatic  missions  to streamline  communication  and have a 
coordinated  front with the donors.  
o As part of a communication  strategy,  disseminate  national  developments  at international  
level.  
o Generate  political  will. 
 
• It was interesting  to discover:  
o The donors'  different  priorities,  formalities  and practices , and the advice  on how to proceed  
(and what to avoid)  when  presenting  and implementing  projects.  
o That donors  finance  the development  of processes,  not activities.  
o That projects  need to be adjusted  to each country;  there  is no one-size-fits-all approach  so 
there  is no point in copying  others'  experiences.  
o That Latin American  countries  are also helping  each other  in certain  areas.  G/TFA/W/22  
- 17 - 
  Figure  8: Survey  results  – Identification  of priorities  regarding  assistance   
 
 
Figure  9: Survey  results  – Dialogue  with donors  
 
 
Technical assistance
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
Dialogue with donors
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020
G/TFA/W/22  
- 18 - 
  Figure  10: Survey  results  – Assistance  between  Latin  American  countries  
 
 
4  RECOMMENDATIONS  
During  the last session  of the Meeting,  participants  discussed  possible  ways of improving  information  
sharing  and the implementation  of the TFA in Latin America,  and identified  the following  
recommendations:  
 
• To develop  an electronic  platform  that would  enable  Latin American  and Caribbea n countries  to 
build a continental  network  of contacts  so that they can establish:  
1. An electronic  directory  with the contact  points  of the various  NTFCs , with a view to facilitating  
their direct  communication.2 
2. A detailed  directory  of national  officers  and experts  in charge  of each of the TFA provisions  (for 
example,  by article  or for specific  provisions ). This directory  should  also include  information  on 
the certifications  obtained  by such experts  (for example,  WCO accreditations  or similar,  in the 
areas  covered  by the AFC), as well as the international  and regional  organizations'  technical  
contact  points  for those  areas.  The system  could  also enable  them to discuss  specific  issues  or 
share  information  on specifi c measures.  
3. For each of the different  areas  covered  by the TFA (including  specific  articles  or provisions ), a 
compendium  or system  to share  regional  best practice s, which  would  be identified  and 
maintained  by the NTFCs.  
4. A forum  for capacity  building  on the various  topics  covered  by the TFA (including  specific  articles  
or provisions ) and other  areas  related  to the Agreement  (for example,  on risk management  
regarding  parcels  and postal  deliveries ), which  could  bring  together  and facilitate  access  to 
existing  e-learning  programs,  webinars,  etc. The NTFCs  could  identify  priority  issues  and 
coordinate  with the various  international  and regional  bodies  in order  to comprehensively  map 
such programmes  to identify  areas  that have not been covered.  
5. Compile  and publici ze the specific  areas  in which  each of the region 's countr ies is able to offer 
technical  assistance,  including  a description  of the type of assistance  and relevant  contact  
points.  
 
2 N.B. The WTO Trade  Facilitation  Agreement  Facility  includes  a section  containing  some  of this 
information.  However,  it has not been updated  regularly  by the countries  in the region.  See: 
https://www.tfafacility.org/contact -points -and-profiles  
Assistance between Latin American countries
Main areas of progress Main difficulties
Source: WTO survey for the worshop, 2020G/TFA/W/22  
- 19 - 
  N.B.: The Meeting  recognized  that the commitment  of all NTFCs  would  be required  to establish  
and update  a platform  of this type. It was also pleased  to note the offer from the secretariat  of 
the Latin American  Integration  Association  (LAIA  – Spanish  acronym:  ALADI)  to host and 
develop  such a platform  in coordination  with the Latin America  and Caribbean  (LAC)  region's  
NTFCs  that decide  to participate,  with the collaboration  of other  international  and regional  
organizations  that wish to support  this endeavour.  
 
• Develop  a plan that will allow the region  to move  forward  with the accreditation  and mutual  
recognition  of national  foreign  trade  laboratories.  
• Invite  more  private  sector  stakeholders  to future  meetings  of the NTFCs.  
• Endeavour  to include  electronic  commerce  (e-commerce)  in future  discussions.  
__________