Pakistan Single Window (PSW)’s Post

I recently had the privilege of participating in a comprehensive training program focused on enhancing Somalia's preparedness for WTO accession. This initiative, organized by the Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (trapca) in collaboration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), is vital for Somalia as it works towards joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). Why This Matters: As Somalia prepares for WTO membership, aligning its national trade policies with international standards is crucial. This program specifically targeted customs and trade facilitation—key areas that will enable Somalia to fully leverage the benefits of global trade. The Training Highlights: Interactive Sessions: Engaged in hands-on learning through practical workshops and case studies. Expert Guidance: Learned from experts about the WTO framework, the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and the nuances of international trade. Collaborative Environment: Worked alongside fellow Somali officials to strategize and develop actionable plans for effective customs reforms. Key Takeaways: 1. Understanding the WTO Accession Process: Gained insights into the legal obligations and the importance of aligning customs practices with international standards. 2. Trade Facilitation Strategies: Explored how to expedite the movement and clearance of goods, enhancing economic resilience. 3. Digital Transformation: Discussed opportunities for modernizing trade processes through technology, including e-customs and single window systems. This workshop marks a significant step in our journey toward WTO membership, equipping us with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of global trade. I am grateful to Trapca and EIF for this invaluable opportunity. And, this is paving the way for Somalia's integration into the global trading system! Shylet Makumbe-Nyabeze World Trade Organization ESAMI-Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (ESAMI-trapca) Lund University School of Economics and Management Dalmar Hassan Kanyare Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) #TradePolicy #WTOAccession #Somalia #EIF #trapca #CapacityBuilding #TradeFacilitation

🇲🇼 In Malawi, the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is helping to boost MSME trade through public private partnership. 🤝 MSMEs in Malawi often struggle to export to global markets due to regulatory hurdles, knowledge gaps and limited access to finance and information. Only 11% export, with a mere 2% engaging in international trade. Overall, small business comprises just 10% of total exports. The Alliance is working with the government, local businesses and global private sector partners like Agility to introduce an export training program for MSMEs and implement a Harmonised System (HS) classification tool, reducing the time and cost of trade. As a part of this initiative, Agility’s digitalisation and border transformation specialists recently supported the Alliance procurement committee to evaluate IT solutions for Malawi's requirements. 💡 Shout out to the Agility team for providing their invaluable insights and expertise! Anton Eccles Louise Wiggett Sousena Tefera Sharath Babu Mohan Moveed David African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat World Customs Organization Malawi Revenue Authority #Malawi #TradeFacilitation #SmallBusiness

PSW and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) held a strategic meeting at the PSW Head Office in Karachi, key leaders from both organizations, including Naveed Abbas Memon (Chief Domain Officer PSW), Aasim Tiwana (Director General TDAP) and Afshan Uroos (Deputy Manager & Head of the National Exporters Training Program), discussed enhancing trade processes and promotional initiatives with a particular emphasis on National Exporters Training and SME Capacity Building, TDAP’s trade facilitation initiatives, and the significance of improving trade facilitation processes and trade promotional initiatives. The collaboration aims to establish a joint task force, regular follow-up meetings, and detailed action plans to benefit Pakistan’s trade landscape. This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering a more efficient and supportive environment for exporters. The concerted efforts are expected to significantly boost Pakistan's export capabilities and global trade presence Read the full news here: https://lnkd.in/eFitzDdA #PSW #TDAP #tradefacilitation #pakistan #karachi #trade #NETP #collaboration #SME #exports #imports

SL experts call for increased focus on global trade Part 1 During the recent discussion organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), between the negotiating team of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) and industry experts, the industry expats called for increased focus on the FTA for Sri Lanka's economic growth. Accordingly, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa, while stressing the importance of facing global market competitiveness, emphasised that Sri Lanka needs to explore and leverage agreements strategically to be competitive with countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Singapore. He asserted that sustained international trade growth can lead to an 8-9 percent economic growth rate, and the nation cannot rely on 2-3 percent growth. Chief Negotiator K. J. Weerasinghe, on the other hand, underscored the need to align with the government's vision for global market access and attracting investments. He outlined a three-pillar strategy focusing on protecting and promoting existing trade partnerships with the US and European Union, expanding market access in South Asia with countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, and India, and increasing market access in East Asia with Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. He acknowledged that Sri Lanka lost opportunities on the trade side in the last five years, and emphasised the need to act swiftly to capitalise on future opportunities. Drawing similarities with Sri Lanka's FTAs with Thailand and Singapore, BOI DG and Head of Investment Chapter Renuka Weerakoon, highlighted the comprehensiveness of these FTAs, covering areas such as trade facilitation, services, proceedings, Sanitary and PhytoSanitary (SPS), Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), investment, trade remedies and intellectual property. She emphasised that FTAs are crucial for Sri Lanka, given its small domestic market, and can lead to increased market access, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), job opportunities, foreign exchange, innovation, technology transfer, and international trade networks. She also emphasised the expectation of increased Thai investments in manufacturing and services under the recently signed SLTFTA. Source: https://lnkd.in/gKAddQsN #FTA #FinanceInsights #FinanceNews

Navigating Trade Challenges: Kenyan Exporters in the EAC Kenyan exporters to the East African Community (EAC) are vital players in regional trade, driving economic growth and fostering regional integration. However, they face significant challenges that need to be addressed to unlock their full potential: 1. Informality of Cross-Border Trade: Many transactions occur informally, lacking proper documentation and regulation. This not only complicates tracking and enforcement but also limits access to financial services and formal markets. 2. Poor Infrastructure : Inadequate transportation and logistics infrastructure hampers efficient movement of goods. Roads, railways, and ports require significant upgrades to meet the demands of growing trade volumes. 3. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Despite the reduction of tariff barriers, NTBs such as varying regulatory standards, complex customs procedures, and bureaucratic red tape continue to impede smooth trade flows. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of Kenyan exporters and achieving the EAC’s vision of a seamless and prosperous regional market. Collaboration between governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners is essential to create a conducive environment for trade. Let's work together to turn these challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a thriving regional trade ecosystem! 🌍🤝 #Trade #EAC #KenyanExporters #RegionalIntegration #EconomicGrowth #TradeBarriers #Infrastructure #CrossBorderTrade

Really pleased to see J-Flex Rubber Products re-appointed as a Department for Business and Trade #ExportChampion once again. We have been exporting since Day 1 – in fact, our first ever customer was overseas – and now, 40-years later the team continue to break into new international markets. Like most things in this day and age, exporting isn’t without its challenges, however the rewards and subsequent friendships that have been fostered over the last 4 decades have made it all worthwhile. My Top Tips for those thinking about exporting… 1️⃣ Do your research 📒 2️⃣ Have a clear strategy 📈 3️⃣ Understand overseas business culture 🤝 4️⃣ Utilise the support offered by DBT and UKEF 💼 5️⃣ Employ the GOYA tactic – Get Off Your A**e (and visit!) 🛫 🤣 What would you add to the list? Kathryn Borg LLB(Hons) ▪ Ian Harrison ▪ Adam Heard

Explore about the Marrakesh Agreement! Marrakesh Agreement, established in 1994 and coming into effect on January 1, 1995, marked a significant evolution in global trade structures. It’s been 30 years since the agreement gave birth to WTO. To know more delve into the article, click the link below https://lnkd.in/grcwFE7Z #upsc #upsc2024 #marrakesh #wto #governmentjob #mains

𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥! 🖥   Lack of transparency and access to trade #information is a major barrier for businesses engaged in cross-border trade, especially for MSMEs that must navigate intricate trade procedures. #Togo is now taking steps to improve access to trade information! In collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Handicrafts and Local Consumption, last week in Lomé ITC Facilitates Trade has trained a dedicated team of the Ministry that will be responsible for managing the #TradeInformationPortal in the country. Once implemented, the portal will provide an online step-by-step guide to trade formalities, making it easier for businesses to find the information they need🔎. The outcomes of the training? ✅ The technical team is now equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage and regularly update the Trade Information Portal 🤝 Consensus was reached on the next steps, including the products and procedures that will be available on the Portal 📈 Togo is a now step closer to meet its WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement commitments – in this case, reliable and predictable trade information available online. The training initiative is part of the #PROCOMP project funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Handicrafts and Local Consumption and the Technical Committee for Trade Facilitation (#CTFE). 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬! #TradeFacilitation #Togo #TradeInformationPortal Aissatou Diallo Augustin Baret Ludmila AZO Kwami Ossadzifo Wonyra Afatchao edinam

Explore about the Marrakesh Agreement! Marrakesh Agreement, established in 1994 and coming into effect on January 1, 1995, marked a significant evolution in global trade structures. It’s been 30 years since the agreement gave birth to WTO. To know more delve into the article, click the link below https://lnkd.in/gbxuiHQS #upsc #upsc2024 #marrakesh #wto #governmentjob #mains

The Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings (#ATIU) recently hosted an interactive session with senior officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (#DGFT) to discuss the government's #exportpolicies and address industry concerns. ATIU President presented several export-related issues to Utpal Acharya. During the meeting, Sharma emphasised the importance of encouraging young #entrepreneurs to engage in export activities to boost the country's #economicgrowth. In response, Acharya announced plans for short-term courses led by DGFT staff to #educate aspiring #exporters on establishing export units, navigating #foreignpolicy, and identifying product export potential. They stressed the need for #government intervention to close the payment gap and address the shortage of #containers at #ports, which has led to inventory build-up. The association also raised concerns about delays in the release of #customsdrawbacks, which have placed financial strain on #MSMEs due to delayed dispatches and increased interest costs. Logistical challenges for #Punjab-based exporters due to their distance from major ports were also discussed.