On Tuesday 26 June 2018, the OECD released its latest analytical work on trade facilitation at the World Trade Organization (WTO) during a public briefing prior to the meeting of the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation.

Trade Facilitation and the Global Economy presents key findings on the state of trade facilitation reforms around the world, showing why and how trade facilitation can contribute to lowering trade costs and increasing economic well-being. The OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) provide a powerful tool to assess such gains, not only highlighting the progress that has been made, but also the key remaining challenges, in particular regarding border agency co-operation.

In addition, the book details the potential economic gains from trade facilitation in the context of participation in global value chains, as well as the potential economy-wide gains from implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo opened the briefing with introductory remarks, followed by a presentation of the new report and related analysis by OECD Senior Trade Policy Analyst Evdokia Moïsé.