UAE first Arab country to ratify WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement

Obaid Salem Saeed Al Za’abi, UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, yesterday delivered the ratification instrument of the United Arab Emirates on the Trade Facilitation Agreement, TFA, to Roberto Azevedo, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO.

The Director-General of the WTO expressed his thanks and gratitude to the UAE for being the first Arab country to deposit its instrument of acceptance, hoping that other countries will see the UAE as a role model to follow in this regard.

The ceremony, which took place at WTO headquarters in Geneva, was also attended by Abdul Salam Al Ali, Director of the UAE Office at the World Trade Organisation.

Concluded at the WTO’s 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference, the TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs departments and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues. It contains provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area.

The TFA will enter into force once two-thirds of the WTO membership has formally accepted the agreement.

Source:WAM