WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo welcomed on 26 August the commitment by Honduras to move ahead on acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), citing its importance for regional integration in Central America. During his visit to Tegucigalpa, the Government of Honduras sent the TFA to the country’s National Congress for formal review and ratification. The announcement was made by the Minister-Coordinator of the Goverment, Jorge Ramón Hernández Alcerro.

Trade has always been an important component of growth for Central America. Intra-regional trade, as well as the transit of goods to other destinations can greatly benefit from TFA implementation. Nicaragua became the first Central American Member to formally accept the TFA when it submitted its instrument of ratification to the WTO on 4 August.

To date 12 Members have ratified the TFA.