An Advanced Course for chairs of National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFC) took place from 20 March to 29 March at the WTO to help the participants for the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  Delivered in Spanish, the course was attended by government officials from 12 Spanish-speaking countries, as well as an official from SIECA organization and a private sector representative from a Latin American logistics company.

The course was conducted with the cooperation of the World Bank Group, World Customs Organization, UNCTAD, UNECE, ITC, IATA and the Global Express Association.

This was the last in a series of courses organized by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) for the chairs and other officers of NTFCs. Courses were conducted  in June and November 2016 for English- speaking participants and one took place and in January 2017 in French.

The courses were particularly timely in light of the recent  entry into force of the TFA. The purpose of the courses was to to empower the participants in their role at their National Committees on Trade Facilitation by enhancing their skills in engaging with key stakeholders and developing their capacities in resource mobilization through highly interactive exercise, simulations, and roundtable discussions. In addition, the courses provided participants with an opportunity to build a network of contacts, including with capacity-building organizations that will provide technical assistance to support the implementation of the TFA.