On December 19, 2015, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said that important steps were taken at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference to help the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement enter into force. In a Fact Sheet, USTR stated:
The United States welcomes the progress made leading up to, and during, the 10th Ministerial Conference by Members towards entry into force and implementation of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
Six new acceptances were received in Nairobi, including from two least-developed countries (LDCs), thereby bringing the total to 63 WTO members who have ratified the TFA, with others expected shortly. The diversity of Members who have submitted these 63 acceptances demonstrates the global interest in this agreement. The 63 acceptances come from Members representing every region of the world – 28 of whom are developing countries, including five LDCs.
Further, during the Ministerial Conference, the United States was pleased to announce additional funding to help developing countries implement the TFA through its new and unique multi-donor partnership with the private sector, the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF).
To fulfill their commitment in the TFA to help developing countries and LDCs implement the agreement, the United States, together with Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom, pursued a ground breaking new approach to trade assistance that will drive economic growth and eliminate trade barriers. The GATF brings together donor countries, global businesses, and international institutions, such as the World Economic Forum, the International Chamber of Commerce and the Center for International Private Enterprise, to help developing countries implement TFA reforms. The United States has mobilized $50 million for the initiative over five years. Based on contributions identified so far, the GATF is the largest pool of resources dedicated to TFA implementation. Further information can be found about the GATF at: www.tradefacilitation.org.
