The Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) – launched on 22 July 2014 and operational by 27 November 2014 – assists developing countries and least developed country (LDC) members reap the full benefits of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Recently, the WTO launched a dedicated website for the TFAF for members, donors, and others seeking information on the new TFAF. 

The TFAF website provides background on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and TFAF, information on programs that support implementation of the TFA, and national contact points for trade facilitation in developing and LDC member countries. It contains further information on TFAF support related to Categories A, B, and C commitments; assistance and support for capacity building; and applications for TFAF grants where no funding sources are available to developing and LDC countries for implementation. 

The TFA broke new ground for the first time in WTO history with the requirement that its implementation is directly linked to country capacity. It further states in the TFA that assistance and support should be provided to help countries achieve that capacity. Currently, five WTO members have secured domestic acceptance of the TFA but two-thirds of the WTO’s 161 members will need to ratify the TFA in order for it to enter into force. 

The WTO also published its Annual Report on 27 May 2015, which details WTO areas of activity, including trade negotiations and trade capacity building. 

Related Links:

WTO launches dedicated website for new Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility 

WTO issues 2015 Annual Report