The WCO Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) for the North Africa, Near and Middle East Region was held from 14 to 18 May 2017 in Doha, Qatar under the sponsorship of Qatar Customs Authority.

The objective of the Workshop was to discuss the role of Customs and the WCO in implementing the TFA through the Mercator Programme. 

During the Workshop, the representatives from the WCO presented the latest development of TFA notification, ratifications and the establishment of the National Committees on Trade Facilitation, as well as the Mechanism for the TFA. They also introduced WCO’s activities of technical assistance and capacity building under the Mercator Programme in assisting Members with the implementation of the TFA by using WCO instruments and tools.

The Workshop provided a good opportunity for the participants to discuss the issues of establishing NCTF, applying Advance Rulings in Customs, Coordinated Border Management, Customs Brokers, AEO Programmes development, Risk Management, Post clearance Audit, Time Release Study, Single Window, etc. Participants also shared their national experiences and lessons learned in implementing the trade facilitation measures.

The workshop, which offered the occasion to highlight the modernization and reform achievements in this area from the MENA region Members, was successfully concluded with positive feedback from delegates.