In 2017, the global trading system achieved a major milestone when the first multilateral deal entered into force in the 21-year history of the World Trade Organization – the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The TFA is expected to reduce the time needed to import goods and to help new firms export for the first time. According to the WTO World Trade Report 2015, LDCs are likely to see an increase of up to 35% once the TFA is implemented. So far, 21 LDCs in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific have signed the TFA and are working towards implementation.
This session will bring together LDCs and trade facilitation experts to reflect on the necessary conditions to ensure the agreement's implementation and success, including technical assistance and capacity development support.

Moderators

Sheri Rosenow

Counsellor, World Trade Organization

Speakers

Lillian Bwalya

Director of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia

Mrs Lillian Saili Bwalya is the Director of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry – Zambia.She is responsible for activities related to the WTO including the implementation of measures under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation;She also oversees negotiations... Read More →

Yann Duval

Chief, Trade Policy and Facilitation Section, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Yann Duval is currently Chief of Trade Policy and Facilitation at ESCAP, the regional branch of the United Nations Secretariat for Asia and the Pacific. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Duval has conducted research and delivered technical assistance and advisory services on trade policy... Read More →

Richard Kamajugo

Senior Director Trade Environment, TradeMark East Africa

Steven Pope

Vice President Customs and Regulatory Affairs Europe, DHL

Steven has been at DHL Express, Europe since 2011 where he is responsible for Customs regulatory Affairs, Trade Compliance and Trade Facilitation.Before joining DHL, Steven spent 26 in the Public Sector, working for HM Customs, HM Treasury and the IMF, working in areas such as, trade... Read More →

Presentation

Carlos Grau Tanner

Director General, Global Express Association

Carlos Grau Tanner is the Director General of the Global Express Association (GEA), which he joined in March 2010. GEA represents the three leading express delivery carriers (DHL Express, FedEx Express/TNT and UPS). In this capacity, he is involved in international policy issues in... Read More →