The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) will provide technical assistance to the Customs Administration of Guatemala on the accession to the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). This support is part of the GTFP’s light-touch interventions consisting of short-term assistance based on identified needs on specific trade facilitation areas.
In this way, the GTFP will contribute to the implementation of efficient and predictable Customs procedures in Guatemala, in line with international best practices and according to Guatemala’s strategic objectives and comprehensive Customs Modernization Programme that aims to facilitate trade whilst ensuring effective controls.
An initial revision of the Customs Administration of Guatemala self-assessment work and gap-analysis will be carried out remotely. With that information the WCO experts will issue a series of recommendations based on identified gaps, prepare a technical assistance mission envisaged to strengthen Guatemala’s aptitude to develop an RKC self-assessment, and support the administration to develop a roadmap for accession to the convention, which requires national ratification by the Congress.
In the longer-term, through accession and compliance with RKC, Guatemala will be better equipped to respond to the challenges that modernization and simplification of international trade pose and increase its overall competitiveness in terms of international trade operations.
This GTFP light-touch intervention counts with the support of the Swiss Ambassador in Guatemala, Mr. Hans-Ruedi Bortis welcomed the initiative and expressed his support for the upcoming activities. Both SECO and the Customs Administration of Guatemala are committed to the successful implementation of the GTFP’s assistance.
For more information on the GTFP please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.