Latin America Urged To Grasp Full Benefits Of TFA
by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington
20 July 2015
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently hosted a conference in Panama to raise awareness of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) among Latin American parliamentarians.
The event gathered over 30 parliamentarians from all over Latin America. It highlighted the potential benefits of the Agreement for the region and underlined the need for speedy ratification and ambitious implementation.
The TFA will create binding commitments across all WTO members to expedite the movement, release, and clearance of goods and improve cooperation among WTO members in customs matters, forming part of international efforts under the Doha Round to cut tax barriers to trade on a global basis. In addition, the Agreement states that assistance and support should be provided to help least-developed countries (LDCs) implement the TFA.
In a statement the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) emphasized the critical need for business and governments to work side by side to cement opportunities the TFA will bring for development, job creation and poverty reduction. "Although for many countries in Latin America the idea of customs-business partnerships is still relatively new, it is essential that countries move forward in working with the private sector on common objectives," Lucia Soto, representative of the ICC Guatemala Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation, said.
In order to fully capture the benefits of TFA provisions, the ICC recommended that four key points stay at the top of governments' agendas: business engagement, ambition, speed and a coherent approach to implementation.
The ICC noted that 103 ratifications are still required for the TFA to enter into force.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has estimated full implementation of the agreement will reduce trade costs by 16.5 percent for low-income countries, 17.4 percent for lower-middle income countries, and 14.6 percent for upper-middle income countries.
To see today's news, click here.
Tax-News Reviews

A review and forecast of Cyprus's international business, legal and investment climate.

A review and forecast of Malta's international business, legal and investment climate.

A review and forecast of Jersey's international business, legal and investment climate.

A review of the latest budget news and government financial statements from around the world.
Stay Updated
Please enter your email address to join the Tax-News.com mailing list. View previous newsletters.
By subscribing to our newsletter service, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
To manage your mailing list preferences, please click here »
Network Blogs and Features
- stockpiling paper »
- Hong Kong Business and Work Culture: All you need to know »
- prospects looking rosy »
- The Diamond Industry in UAE »
- Brexit Ramifications For Ireland »
- Easy guide to starting a home-based business in Ohio »
- unintended consequences »
- Basic Guide to Set up a Home Based Business in Hong Kong »
- Life's never simple »
- Licensing options for payment service provider in UAE »