Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), held a national training workshop on rules of origin in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, from 8 to 12 May 2023 with the participation of officials from Guinea-Bissau Customs, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Energy and Industry, Chamber of Commerce and private sector. The objective of the workshop was to assist Guinea-Bissau in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin.
In his opening remarks, the representative of the Director General of Customs, Mr. Nelson LOPEZ, thanked the WCO and the EU for their support in building capacity on rules of origin. He stressed the importance of having an in-depth knowledge of the UEMOA, CEDEAO and AfCFTA rules of origin as they constitute a tool to adequately treat goods in cross border trade.
The UEMOA representative in Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Aly Diadjiri COULIBALY, thanked the WCO for associating UEMOA with the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme and stressed that rules of origin are a major priority for UEMOA in the light of the total dismantling of customs duties since 2001. Building capacity on rules of origin for all relevant stakeholders will enhance intra-UEMOA trade which currently represents only 12%.
During the workshop participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for at better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.
The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme shall hold consultations with UEMOA to better address challenges and gaps in capacity building and implementation of rules of origin at regional and national levels and will continue its work with UEMOA and Guinea-Bissau Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin.
For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org