Press Release: EU stands ready to support developing countries realize the benefits of a WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement

Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht have joined forces to help secure a World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement as part of global efforts to increase trade's contribution to development. The EU's support responds to demands from Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) for help to make the most of the deal, which could be agreed at the WTO's 9th Ministerial Conference in December 2013.

Trade facilitation refers to measures aimed at simplifying, modernising and harmonising merchandise import, improving tax collection at the border, export and transit procedures, especially customs requirements. Possible measures include simplifying rules, reducing the number of and standardising custom forms, and computerisation. The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement could create an international framework for reforms. The EU hopes that such a deal could be adopted at the WTO's 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia on 3-6 December 2013.

EU has started working on the allocation of its development aid for the period 2014-2020, time is ripe for our partners to reflect about their trade needs in their priorities with the EU.