A tool for simplifying cross-border trade

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The UNECE Trade Facilitation Implementation Guide (TFIG)

Developed by UNECE, with the support of UN/CEFACT,

and funds from Sida (Swedish International Development Corporation Agency)

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ABOUT THE GUIDEPurpose: • To present concepts, standards and recommendations that can

simplify trade throughout the international supply chain, along with implementation approaches and methodologies.

Target: • Policy makers and high level managers• Implementers and technical experts ….from governments, businesses and international organizations

Format: • A web-based interactive tool • In a wikipedia style (with entry points and cross links to navigate

contents)

Key milestones:• Sept 2011: launch of the project• May 2012: final draft• Jun 2012: graphic design, editing• Jul-Aug 2012: peer review• Sept 2012: online publication• Oct 2012: translation into French and Russian

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CONTENTS OF THE WIKI

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Why • About TF: principles and benefits

• Suggested Itineraries:1. Reducing border delays, 2. Documents simplification and data harmonisation; 3. Creating partnership with trade; 4. ICT application; 5. WTO negotiations,....

How

• Domains: Business: Purchasing, Shipping and Transport, Customs & Cross Border Management, Payment & Trade FinanceApproaches and Methodologies: Generic Approach to TF implementation, Business Process Analysis, Consultation_Collaboration, E-Trade Data Interchange

Where

With what

• InstrumentsConventions, Standards and Recommandations, Guides, Case Stories

Who • OrganisationsUNECE – UN/CEFACT, UNESCAP, WTO, UNCTAD, ITC, WCO, etc.

ABSTRACT VIEW OF THE WIKI

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• A collection of self-contained pages• Following a standard tempate (where possible):

– definition, process, relevance to TF, implementation guidance, benefits, references

NAVIGATING THE WIKI

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• That users can navigate through:

LINKAGES

• Let’s think of linkages: Itineraries for establishing meaningful relationships between various wiki contents

LINKAGES (cont’d)• Let’s think og linkages: instruments, organisations, case

stories, further readings,

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Context of TF negotiations

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TRAINING WITH THE GUIDEThe training package: • Developed for workshops based on TFIG (UNECE, other Regional

Commissions, UNCTAD, etc.)• Serves as a guiding template for a three day workshop on the

guide

Target: • International/national experts training on TF• Users of the guide

Learning objectives: • Analyse learning needs • Develop training sessions • Use participatory knowledge sharing methodologies • Valuate achieved learning results and track impact

Tools:• A one to three days wokshop agenda (depending on needs)• A learning needs analysis tool• A facilitator's notes checklist• Powerpoint presentations based on domains and itineraries

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MANAGING THE PROJECT

Management Framework• UNECE secretariat manages the project• UN/CEFACT PT provides technical advice• A group of 7 consultants, coordinated by a lead technical

consultant, drafts the contents• The ITC ILO for the web layout &functionalities, and for

instructional design

Working methodology• A project wikispace • Two drafting workshops • Teleconferences (webex) on a regular basis

What’s next• Launch and promotion of the Guide – Sept 2012 • Use of the Guide in capacity building activities (six regional

workshops in 2012/2013, UNECE-UNCTAD joint training)• Maintenance/update of the Guide contents

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Thank you!For more info:

Tom Butterly and Maria Teresa PisaniGlobal Trade Solutions Section, UNECE

www.unece.org/trade/tfigtfig@unece.org

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