Trade facilitation - Norway

WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF or the Facility) was created at the request of developing and least-developed country (LDC) Members to help ensure that they receive the assistance they need to reap the full benefits of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and to support the ultimate goal of full implementation of this new Agreement by all Members. Norway has contributed NOK 30 million.

Trade Facilitation Support Programme (TFSP), managed by the World Bank Group's Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, provides support for countries seeking assistance in aligning their trade practices with the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA). TFSP helps developing countries implement trade facilitation reforms aimed at improving trade systems, services, and practices, potentially leading to increased trade, investments, job creation, and private sector competitiveness. Norway has contributed NOK 40 million.

The goal of the programme is to modernize customs administrations in participating member countries and ensure that they apply modern management and custom practices in a specific area. Capacity building activities will take place in Liberia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Vietnam and East Timor. The total budget allocated by Norway is approx. USD 2.8 million for 2012-2015.