On 27 October 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO), within the framework of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), successfully concluded the regional Light-Touch Intervention (LTI) in Central America focused on the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC).
The LTI in the Central America region commenced on 27 September 2022, with the support of the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA). Its overarching goal was to build upon the positive outcomes of the GTFP LTI in Guatemala. This initiative aimed to assist the Customs Administrations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama in their efforts to implement international trade facilitation standards, particularly those outlined in the WCO RKC.
After a year of WCO technical assistance, which included remote preparatory support, two in-country regional RKC workshops, and follow-up remote sessions, all four countries now comply with 98% of the RKC provisions. They have also enhanced over five trade facilitation procedures with a notable impact on the region. Furthermore, El Salvador marked a significant milestone on 19 September 2023 by ratifying its accession to the RKC, ensuring the implementation of predictable and efficient procedures to facilitate trade.
The closing ceremony brought together the Ambassador of Switzerland for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama, along with the General Directors and representatives of the Customs Administrations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala and SIECA. They emphasized the positive impact of the assistance provided by the WCO and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) under the SECO-WCO GTFP approach.
With the closing in Central America, the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) celebrates the conclusion of a remarkable and technical work throughout the light-touched support delivered to nine countries over the 5-year Programme, which included Guatemala, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Jordan, Moldova, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.