We had a fantastic webinar on CrossBorder Trade Facilitation as part of the GIZ Trade Hub and AGI Energy Service Centre collaboration on AfCFTA Business Participation and Competitiveness series.
Facilitated by Africa Trade Academy, Dode Seidu, the 1.5hr presentation focused on:
➡️ the Concept of TradeFacilitation and the roles of multiple stakeholders
➡️ the direct and indirect costs of trade (to both private sector and government) and how trade facilitation could reduce such costs
➡️ the benefits of facilitated trade to private sector and governments
➡️ the trade facilitation tools within ECOWAS region including the ETLS, SIGMAT, Borderless Alliance NTB Reporting Mechanism, @Trade Alert and Obstacle Monitoring Mechanism (TOAM) and NTB resolution platforms by AOCTAH-WACTAF
➡️ AfCFTA Trade Facilitation measures focusing on the NTB Reporting Mechanism (https://lnkd.in/eGrUV_8J)
The presentation had 7️⃣ Key Takeaways for the Business Sector on Trade Facilitation
1️⃣ Trade Facilitation benefits compliant traders
2️⃣ Trade Facilitation Instruments must be applied for or utilized, they are not automatically effected
3️⃣ Trade Facilitation is a shared responsibility between the private sector and government
4️⃣ Trade Facilitation does not only dwell with Customs, it involves other government agencies-know them!
5️⃣ For every trade facilitation benefit you enjoy, remember there are obligations, keep them!
6️⃣ Trade Facilitation benefits can be revoked, use them correctly
7️⃣ Trade regulations and requirements change frequently, stay updated!
Many thanks to GIZ Ghana Trade Hub and the AGI Energy Service Centre for the opportunity.
