The TFAF (Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility), in cooperation with several of its partner organizations, conducted a one-week training course for officials from 30 WTO Member governments from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands.

The aim of the course was to build the capacity of chairs of national trade facilitation committees.  This intensive course included topics such as how to prepare category A,B,C notifications (taught by WTO); communication skills, how to manage a meeting, and how to create an action plan (taught by the WCO).  The participants shared their experiences in the development of their national TF committees in a one day workshop that was open to all WTO Members.  And they also took part in a mock committee meeting led by the ITC.   

Throughout the week the participants worked with a coach from either UNCTAD, UNECE or the World Bank Group, to develop an action plan that they will carry out in order to address issues they are facing in their committee.  Officials from Europro and Swepro provided valuable insight based on their experience.

The TFAF received around 75 applications for this course but limited the number to 30 in order to provide individual attention to the participants.  Given the great interest, and positive feedback from the course participants, the TFAF has already begun initial planning for additional courses.   Information on future courses will be made available as plans develop.