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UNECE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR TRADE DEVELOPMENT
January 2003 to December 2005
DRAFT
Trade Development and Timber Division
Trade Secretariat
September 2002
INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION
2. UNECE MARKET NICHE IN TRADE
3. UNECE TRADE DEVELOPMENT MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
4. UNECE TRADE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
5. SHARING THE BENEFITS OF THE GLOBALIZATION OF TRADE
6. EXISTING WORK OF UNECE IN TRADE
7. STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR 2003 - 05
7.1 Development and maintenance of effective international trade related instruments, norms, standards and recommendations in response to the needs of the global economy
7.2 Implementation: Reduction of barriers to trade in goods and services in all countries, and UNECE member States in particular, through the greater implementation of international and UNECE norms, standards, instruments and recommendations, especially in the area of trade facilitation
7.3 Policy: Encourage and facilitate trade policy development through the provision of an open international platform for the exchange of views and the development of constructive initiatives, particularly with respect to the concerns of UNECE member States with economies in transition
7.4 Promotion of the value and effectiveness of trade facilitation instruments and standards in trade and economic development
7.5 Integration of UNECE's trade activities with other UN and international trade related bodies
ANNEX A MAPPING BETWEEN THE CTIED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES AND THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
ANNEX B UNECE TRADE DEVELOPMENT TEAM STRUCTURE
UNECE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR TRADE DEVELOPMENT
January 2003 to December 2005
DRAFT
1. INTRODUCTION
This document presents the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's (UNECE) Strategic Action Plan for trade development to be implemented by the Trade Development and Timber Division over the period January 2003 to December 2005. The Action Plan is focussed on enhancing and facilitating the international infrastructures for trade in goods and services through the development of innovative policy initiatives, the delivery of internationally accepted trade development and trade facilitation instruments, tools and standards, and the implementation of these instruments in UNECE member States.
The Plan was prepared in the basis of the revised Medium-Term Plan1, the Plan of Action contained in the UNECE 1997 Annual Report2; and the Terms of Reference Policy Objectives and Strategic Goals of the Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development (CTIED) 3, all of which represent the needs of our member States and the needs of the global economy in which our member States operate. The Plan also takes into consideration the overarching UN mandate for assisting in the sharing of the benefits of globalization, eradicating poverty and supporting sustainable development, as defined in the Millennium Declaration4.
The Plan outlines UNECE's market niche, mission, objectives, resources and current work in international trade in Sections 2 through 6. A detailed account of the Strategic Action Plan for 2003-2005 is presented in Section 7.
2. UNECE MARKET NICHE IN TRADE
UNECE's market niche in trade development is clearly centred on standards development and trade facilitation at the global level, trade policy recommendations at the regional level, and the implementation of these measures in UNECE member States. UNECE's long experience in these fields has placed it as a world leader in facilitating international trade, with strong backing and support from member States, international organizations and the private sector.
Implementation of international standards and trade facilitation measures have a dynamic impact on competitiveness and market integration and, following many years of multilateral trade liberalisation under the GATT, are now arguably more important than tariff reduction as a trade development tool. Indeed, transparency and speed at international borders are essential in order to compete effectively in the global economy.
UNECE's trade facilitation and standards work enhances the economic potential of member States by increasing market access and reducing the costs of trade. The UNECE trade development programme will continue to focus on these areas and will provide an open forum where all countries can participate in policy discussions and the development of new norms, standards and initiatives aimed at improving the global trading environment. To support this objective, the Action Plan includes specific initiatives on trade facilitation research and policy development, and the promotion of trade facilitation measures and standards to Governments and the business community.
The UNECE also provides a unique forum for trade policy discussions, where countries in transition (CIT) participate on an equal footing with Western European countries, the United States and Canada. This is particularly important for those CIT that have newly acceded to the WTO or are in the process of doing so. The WTO being a rule setting body, it does not look at the policies necessary for the effective implementation and enforcement of its rules. In addition, there are many trade policy issues related to trade facilitation and regional development that are not touched upon by WTO discussions and where the UNECE has a unique expertise.
3. UNECE TRADE DEVELOPMENT MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
UNECE's Trade Development mission is to5, ......
Note: We (the Trade Development Branches) will develop our mission statement as a group later this month. I am providing below two possible formulations BUT I suggest that you do not spend too much time on these - save your creative energies for the workshop!
UNECE's Trade Development mission is to facilitate and strengthen the participation of all countries, and especially UNECE member States, in harmonious trade relations through the facilitation of an open and constructive policy development environment, and through the development and implementation of norms, standards and policies for trade development, trade facilitation and electronic business.
OR
UNECE's Trade Development mission6 is to facilitate and develop the infrastructure for international trade in terms of trade-related norms, standards, tools and policy recommendations for trade facilitation and electronic business; to reduce the main internal and external obstacles to trade and economic cooperation in the UNECE region through policy recommendations for trade development; and to further the integration of countries with economies in transition into the global economy through the implementation of policy recommendations and international norms.
Our vision is to be a key player in creating and sustaining standards, tools and policies for international trade facilitation and regional trade development.
In order to achieve this mission, UNECE has defined the following five key objectives for trade development over the 2003 to 2005 period:
1. To develop and maintain effective international trade related instruments, norms, standards and recommendations, in response to the needs of the global economy;
2. To reduce barriers to trade in goods and services in all countries, and UNECE member States in particular, through the greater implementation of international and UNECE norms, standards, instruments and recommendations, especially in the area of trade facilitation;
3. To encourage and facilitate trade policy development, through the provision of an open international platform for the exchange of views and the development of constructive initiatives, particularly with respect to the concerns and priorities of UNECE member States with economies in transition;
4. To promote the value and effectiveness of trade facilitation instruments and standards in trade and economic development;
5. To integrate UNECE's trade activities with other UN and international trade related bodies.
It is noted that the numbering of the objectives (1 to 5) does not imply any particular priority, as all objectives are interrelated and interdependent.
As previously mentioned, these objectives, and the associated work programme detailed in Section 7, are fully consistent with the Draft Revised Medium-Term Plan, the Plan of Action and the Terms of Reference, Policy Objectives and Strategic Goals of the Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development (CTIED). Other documents that have been consulted include the Chairman's Conclusions from the 2002 International Forum on Trade Facilitation7, the Monterey Consensus, and the United Nations' Millennium Declaration. Further, the considered views of the staff of the UNECE Trade Development Branches, developed at strategic planning workshops held in 2002, have also been incorporated. A mapping of the linkage between the CTIED Goals and Objectives and the Trade Development Objectives is provided in Annex A.
4. UNECE TRADE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
The UNECE's Trade Development resources comprise the secretariat and a broad-based network of experts linked to the intergovernmental bodies and public/private sector working groups that support the development work. This combination of internal UNECE secretariat resources and the resources of its public and private sector bodies, working groups and technical experts is a critical element in the standards development and trade facilitation work of UNECE. This link provides direct access to the needs and requirements of the business community while at the same time ensuring the involvement of governments, international organizations, and other UN bodies.
UNECE's Trade Development staff, which is supported by the UN regular budget, consists of 14 professionals organized into two Branches:
* Global Trade Solutions;
* Trade Policy and Intergovernmental Cooperation.
The work is organized across a matrix of 6 Teams which work in an inter-disciplinary manner to provide maximum output and flexibility. These teams are:
* Trade Facilitation Team
* Electronic Business Team
* Policy Team
* Standardization Team
* Technical Cooperation and Projects Team
* Promotion and Information Dissemination Team
It should be noted that individual staff members are typically assigned to two or more teams. A graphical representation of the Branch and team structure is presented in Annex B.
The main intergovernmental bodies supported by and providing input to the Trade Development Branches are:
* Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development (CTIED):
* United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT)
* Working Party on Technical Harmonization and Standardization Policies (WP.6)
* Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce and Quality Development (WP.7)
Participation in these intergovernmental bodies is open to governments and various elements of civil society such as the private sector, non governmental organizations and universities.
5. SHARING THE BENEFITS OF THE GLOBALIZATION OF TRADE
The work of the UNECE in international trade is undertaken in the context of the United Nations Charter, which enshrines the basic United Nations principles of promoting social progress, better standards of life, full employment, and economic
development. This concept is reinforced in the Millennium Declaration which states that "the central challenge we face today is to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world's people".8 This point is further emphasized in the Monterray Consensus, which states that "globalization should be fully inclusive and equitable"9. Essentially, UNECE's role is to ensure that international trade is carried out as efficiently as possible, with full regard to the public interest and security, and with the active participation of civil society. The major theme of our work in the 2003-5 period is "Sharing the gains of Globalization".
We are particularly concerned with integrating into the world economy those member States that are in transition to a market economy. One of our main goals is to facilitate trade in the UNECE region by helping business to become more efficient in exchanging products, services and information. Most of our meetings are open to the business and academic communities, non-governmental organizations and other interested groups.
6. EXISTING WORK OF UNECE IN TRADE
The trade related work of UNECE covers two main interrelated areas, namely, support for the intergovernmental bodies and implementation of the programmes of work prepared by these intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations in general. Each of these areas are described in detail below.
6.1 Support for Intergovernmental Bodies and Working Groups
Support for UNECE's trade related intergovernmental bodies and associated expert groups forms an essential part of the overall trade development activity within UNECE, without which the standards and recommendations development work could not take place. One of the major roles and responsibilities of the UNECE secretariat is to support the subsidiary bodies in the preparation and implementation of their programmes of work which are, in turn, based on needs and priorities that have been established through a dialogue between governments and between governments and users from both the private and public sectors. This support covers both logistical and substantive support to the bodies, including the research, preparation and distribution of substantive documentation in the UNECE working languages, the maintenance of related databases and websites as well as general distribution and promotion of the work done. The UNECE secretariat manages resources and assists the work of the Groups, providing detailed documentation and background studies to develop trade policy, standards and trade facilitation recommendations.
The major responsibilities of the Intergovernmental Bodies that are supported by the Trade Development Branches are as follows:
Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development (CTIED):
The overall objectives for the work of the Committee, which were set out in the UNECE 1997 Plan of Action, are the following:
* to support the UNECE objective of facilitating and strengthening the involvement of all member countries in harmonious economic relations
* to assist in the integration of all countries, in particular countries in transition, into the European and global economy, and to work to prevent the development of new barriers to trade within the region
* to contribute to the creation of a clear, predictable and supportive environment for industrial and enterprise development activities.
It accomplishes the above by:
a) assisting in reducing technical barriers to trade and market access;
b) developing and promoting standards, common procedures and best practices for trade;
c) developing regional/international contact networks for national ministries and business communities;
d) encouraging adoption of international and, if appropriate, regional standards and norms related to trade and business;
e) identifying ways of developing trade and investment finance possibilities;
f) promoting the development of new economic sectors based upon innovation and new technologies;
g) facilitating the restructuring and development of industry and enterprises.
This encompasses more than just the work done by the Trade Development Branches since the Committee is responsible for two programmes of work (the Trade Development programme) and the Industrial Restructuring and Enterprise Development programme). However, the Trade Development Branches are responsible for most of the work under activities a) through e) above.
Thus, the Committee is the intergovernmental body responsible for all UNECE trade, industry and enterprise development related activities supported by the UN budget. In this context it reviews and approves a work programme which includes the work of all its subsidiary bodies (including those that are not serviced by the Trade Development Branches) and monitors the implementation of this work programme.
The United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT): UN/CEFACT aims to improve the ability of business, trade and administrative organizations, from developed, developing and transitional economies, to exchange products and relevant services effectively - and so contribute to the growth of global commerce. The focus of UN/CEFACT is the worldwide facilitation of international transactions, through the simplification and harmonization of procedures and information flows.
UN/CEFACT is open to participation from Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and sectoral and industry associations recognized by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC). The Centre's objective is to be "inclusive" and it actively encourages organizations to contribute and help develop its recommendations and standards.
UN/CEFACT is comprised of the following Groups:
* International Trade and Business Process Group (TBG)
* Information Content Management Group (ICG)
* Applied Technologies Group (ATG)
* Techniques and Methodologies Group (TMG):
* Legal Working Group (LWG):
Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce and Quality Development (WP.7)
The UNECE Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce has responsibility for the elaboration of internationally harmonized, agricultural commercial quality standards for perishable produce on the basis of existing national standards or trade practices to:
* Facilitate fair international trade and prevent technical barriers to trade
* Improve producers' profitability and encourage production of high quality produce
* Protect consumers' interests
The goal of this work is to develop internationally harmonized trade standards for agricultural produce to facilitate fair international trade and guarantee a high quality for the consumer. The standards serve as a common trading language for buyer and seller and facilitate negotiations as well as the establishment of contracts and resolution of conflicts. The standards are used as the basis for European Community regulations in this area. Further, the OECD adopts UNECE standards and develops explanatory material as well as other guidelines for implementation.
The work is organized in thematic, specialized sections, namely:
1. Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (GE.1)
2. Specialized Section on Standardization of Dry and Dried Produce (Fruit) (GE.2)
3. Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat (GE.11)
4. Specialized Sections on Standardization of Potatoes (GE.5 and GE.6)
Working Party on Technical Harmonization and Standardization Practices (WP.6)
The UNECE Working Party on Technical Harmonization and Standardization Policies provides a unique forum for debating and anticipating issues related to standardization and technical regulations in areas such as coordination, harmonization and conformity assessment. A special effort has been made to obtain the participation of Governments throughout the region as well as by international, regional and national organizations and the private sector.
The Working Party cooperates with the major international standards setting bodies (who also participate in its meetings) and with regional and national regulatory, standards and conformity assessment organizations and agencies. Special attention is devoted to countries in transition to help them in adjusting and reforming their systems to market economy needs.
6.2 Implementing the Trade Development Programme of Work
UNECE's Trade Development work has played a major role for over 40 years in the development and maintenance of many of the norms and standards that facilitate the effective functioning of the international trade infrastructure throughout the world. For example, UNECE's UN Layout Key10 is the international standard for the majority of international trade documents, such as customs documents, waybills, documentary credits, etc. The UN Layout Key is, in fact, the foundation document for the Single Administrative Document (SAD) for trade used within the European Union. Further, UNECE's UN/EDIFACT11 is the only internationally accepted standard for electronic data interchange (EDI) and UNECE, in collaboration with the business community, is currently developing the next generation of e-business standards, ebXML.
The Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development has also provided an important forum for policy discussions on issues related to the trade in services, trade facilitation and a wide range of issues related to the transition process.
UNECE's work on agricultural quality standards is widely used in global trade. Close to 100 standards in the areas of fresh fruit and vegetables, dry and dried produce, early and ware potatoes, seed potatoes, eggs, meat and cut flowers have been developed. Many of these serve as the basis of European Union legislation and
Codex Alimentarius standards, which are promoted by all OECD member States.
UNECE also undertakes extensive work on technical harmonization and standardization policies, providing a unique forum for debating and addressing issues related to the coordination, harmonization and conformity assessment of standards and associated accreditation issues.
UNECE has developed over 30 Recommendations that guide the implementation of trade facilitation, based on best practice and agreed international procedures12. Many of UNECE's standards have been adopted worldwide and several have become United Nations Recommendations and standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The Trade Development and Timber Division contributes to policy relevant cross-sectoral activities of the UNECE, including "Trade, Environment and Timber" and "Cross-border Trade and Transport Facilitation" (with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, ESCAP). It makes significant contributions to UN global initiatives and particularly to the United Nations Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Task Force and the World Summit on the Information Society (December 2003).
In addition, the Division provides focal points for UNECE regarding relations with the European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Standardization Organisation (ISO). and the United Nations Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Task Force.
UNECE's technical work in the above areas is complemented by an active programme of capacity building and cooperation to support the implementation of existing trade norms and standards in the UNECE region including east and central Europe and the Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS) as well as southeast European countries. Some current projects include:
* Capacity building in Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business in the Mediterranean:
* Capacity-building to Improve Trade Finance and Investment Prospects for the Sustainable Development of the Russian Timber Sector
* United Nations extensions for aligned electronic trade documents (UNeDocs):
* Development assistance project for the implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (UN/EDIFACT) information technologies in selected Eastern European countries
* Participation in the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI)
* Participation in the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA)
7. STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR 2003 - 05
UNECE's Trade Development Action Plan for the period January 2003 to December 2005 is based on the five core objectives described in Section 3 and repeated below:
1. To develop and maintain effective international trade related instruments, norms, standards and recommendations in response to the needs of the global economy;
2. To reduce barriers to trade in all countries, and UNECE member States in particular, through the greater implementation of international and UNECE trade facilitation norms, standards, instruments and recommendations;
3. To encourage and facilitate trade policy development, through the provision of an open international platform for the exchange of views and the development of constructive initiatives, particularly with respect to the concerns and priorities of UNECE member States with economies in transition;
4. To promote the value and effectiveness of trade facilitation instruments and standards in trade and economic development;
5. To integrate UNECE's trade activities with other UN and international trade related bodies.
In order to achieve these objectives, the UNECE will undertake the following programme of work over the planning period from 2003 to 2005:
7.1 Development and maintenance of effective trade related instruments, norms, standards and recommendations in response to the needs of the global economy
Development and maintenance of trade related instruments, norms and standards is one of the core activities of UNECE. In order to further this work, UNECE will undertake the following activities over the planning period January 2003 to December 2005.
7.1.1 Development of Trade Facilitation Standards and Recommendations under UN/CEFACT
7.1.1.1 Development of a Recommendation on the establishment of a Single Window
The 'Single Window' environment aims to expedite and simplify information flows between trade and government and bring meaningful gains to all parties involved in cross-border trade. Essentially, a Single Window is a system that allows traders to lodge information with a single body to fulfil all import- or export-related regulatory requirements.
Through the work of the UN/CEFACT International Trade Procedures Working Group (ITPWG), UNECE will develop a formal Recommendation for the establishment and operation of a Single Window for Trade Information and Procedures. The format of the Recommendation will be a short formal section containing the core elements of the Recommendation, followed by four annexes with a more elaborate description of the Single Window and operational examples from trade and business.
Target Audience: Governments and Trade in all countries but with a special focus on transition and developing countries
Target Date for Completion: June 2003
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation Team
7.1.1.2 Development of a Guide and formal Recommendation on Trade Facilitation Benchmarking
Trade Facilitation Benchmarking relates to the measurement of specific trade facilitation procedures and activities, usually against an agreed standard. Benchmarking allows countries to measure their performance developments over time and against other countries and is an important tool in identifying areas needing attention and improvement.
Through the work of the UN/CEFACT International Trade Procedures Working Group (ITPWG), UNECE will develop a Guide to Trade Facilitation Benchmarking and will follow this up with a formal Recommendation. Existing work already undertaken by organizations such as the World Bank, World Customs Organization, International Chambers of Commerce, OECD, and UNCTAD, will be reviewed in developing both the Guide and Recommendation.
Target Audience: Governments and international trade organizations
Target Date for Completion: March 2004 (completion of the Guide is targeted for June 2003)
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation Team
7.1.1.3 Development of a Recommendation regarding Driving Visa Requirements for international truck drivers
Obtaining visas for operators/crews involved in the transport of goods in international trade can be a time consuming and costly endeavour. This is particularly problematic in the Central European region. The Trade Facilitation Team, in cooperation with the ITPWG, SECI and the Transport Division of UNECE will work toward the development of a formal recommendation designed to address this issue.
Target Audience: Governments in central European region
Target Date for Completion: December 2003
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation Team in association with SECI Regional Advisor and UNECE Transport Division.
7.1.1.4 Legal Aspects of Trade Facilitation
Although UN/CEFACT has worked for years on the legal implications of e-commerce for years, and has produced three Recommendations in that area, there still is a need for more work on defining problems, best practices and standards to address the legal aspects of trade facilitation in terms of simplifying trade procedures around the world. Consequently, the UNECE Trade Division will consider further work on this issue together with the Legal Group of UN/CEFACT and UNCITRAL.
Target audience: Governments (especially developing and least developed transition economies), the business community (especially SMEs)
Target Date for Completion: May 2004
Team responsibility: Trade Facilitation
7.1.1.5 Revision of Recommendation 12 - Measures to Facilitate Maritime Transport Document Procedures
UNECE UN/CEFACT Recommendation 12, Measures to Facilitate Maritime Transport Document Procedures, was first approved in March 1979 and sought a change in official and commercial practice to:
(i) minimize the use of negotiable transport documents and encourage the use of alternative sea waybills or other non-negotiable transport documents;
(ii) encourage the use of single original transport documents;
(iii) encourage the use of blank back and standard transport documents.
However, this Recommendation needs to be updated to take account of changes in electronic commerce and document handling. UNECE, through the International Trade Procedures Working Group, will prepare an update of the Recommendation and will encourage the use of electronic documents.
Target Audience: Traders, shippers, transport industry
Target Date for Completion: March 2004
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation Team
7.1.2 Development and Maintenance of e-business Standards under UN/CEFACT
5.1.2.1 Development of ebXML Standard
UN/CEFACT is currently working in the development of the nest generation of e-business standards, ebXML. ebXML (Electronic Business using eXtensible Markup Language) is a modular suite of specifications that will enable enterprises of any size and in any geographical location to conduct business over the Internet.
Development of the ebXML specifications is an on-going effort sponsored by OASIS and UN/CEFACT. Technical committees for the ebXML Registry, Messaging, Collaborative Partner, and Implementation are hosted by OASIS, and Business Process and Core Component work continues at UN/CEFACT.
The ebXML Mission is to provide an open XML-based infrastructure enabling the global use of electronic business information in an interoperable, secure and consistent manner by all parties.
Target Audience: Business and governments worldwide
Target Date for Completion:
Team Responsibility: Electronic Business Team
5.1.2.2 Maintenance of UN/EDIFACT
UN/EDIFACT comprises a set of internationally agreed standards, directories and guidelines for the electronic data interchange (EDI) , and in particular that related to trade in goods and services between independent, computerized information systems. The UN/EDIFACT directory comprises now a set of over 200 messages that are used in so diverse sectors such as transport, administration, finance, health care and architecture. UN/EDIFACT messages enable enterprises world wide to exchange vital business information and to co-ordinate and optimize their supply chain processes. Today, UN/EDIFACT remains the sole international accepted standard for the electronic interchange of business information.
After a rapid development phase the UN/EDIFACT directories have now matured and reached maintenance mode. The directories are maintained in an open, international process. Business and EDI experts join in regional meetings in America, Europe and Asia. These meetings prepare for the global meeting of the EDIFACT Working Group which revises and extends the standard twice a year. The directories are produced and published by the UNECE and provided free of charge for the international business community at the UNECE web site.
Target Audience: Target Audience: Business and governments worldwide
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing
Team Responsibility: Electronic Business Team
5.1.2.4 Maintenance of UN/LOCODE
UN/LOCODE is five-character code system that is used throughout international trade to designate locations whenever there is a need for a coded representation for the names of ports, airports, inland clearance depots, inland freight terminals and other transport related locations, such as places of receipt and delivery, which are used for goods movements associated with trade (for example locations where Customs clearance of goods can take place), or otherwise proposed by Governments. UNECE maintains this code set and database on an ongoing basis.
Target Audience: Target Audience: Business and governments worldwide
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing
Team Responsibility: Electronic Business Team
7.1.3 Development of agricultural quality standards under Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce and Quality Development (WP.7)
7.1.3.1 Development and Maintenance of standards for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (GE.1) will develop new standards for Pineapples, Shallots and will revise the standards for the following products: Apples, Citrus Fruit, Kiwifruit, Peaches and Nectarines, Pears, Plums and Strawberries (more can be added according to clients needs)
Target Audience:
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2005
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.1.3.2 Inner quality of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (GE.1) will develop objective criteria for inner quality/ maturity of fruit in the standards to achieve:
* better quality for the consumer;
* deletion of external quality criteria which are difficult to reach by certain production methods (e.g. organic) or production regions and might be perceived as technical barriers to trade.
Target Audience:
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2005
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.1.3.3 Harmonization of produce coding for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (GE.1) will harmonize the main parameters used in international trade (commodity, variety and grade/class) for use in electronic business and electronic export certification.
Target Audience:
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2005
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.1.3.4 Maintenance of standards for Dry and Dried Produce (Fruit) (GE.2)
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Dry and Dried Produce (Fruit) (GE.2) will revise the standards for Almonds, Pistachios, Prunes (more may be added according to clients needs).
Target Audience:
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2005
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.1.3.5 Development of a sampling plan to determine the moisture content for dried fruit
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Dry and Dried Produce (Fruit) (GE.2) will development of a sampling plan to determine the moisture content for dried fruit.
Target Audience:
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2005
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.1.3.6 Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat (GE.11)
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat (GE.11) will develop new standards for Chicken, Veal, Turkey and Ovine and will revise the standards for Beef, Pork.
Target Audience:
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2005
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.1.3.7 Development of trade mark for meat, conformity assessment and traceability
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat (GE.11) will develop of trade mark for meat, conformity assessment and traceability
7.1.3.8 Standardization of Potatoes
Work on the standard: Introduction, field tolerances, list of pests to be checked on the mother tuber destination tolerances, quality assurance, further development of annex IX, superficial necrosis caused by virus, inclusion of test methods/ referencing methods
Special projects: Impact of GMO on the standard, concerns of seed buyers, Research on National Certification Schemes
Early and Ware Potatoes (GE.5)
The Group of Experts on Seed potatoes (GE.6) will undertake work on the standard, including introduction, field tolerances, list of pests to be checked on the mother tuber, destination tolerances, quality assurance, further development of annex IX, superficial necrosis caused by virus, inclusion of test methods/ referencing methods
The Group will also assess the impact of GMO on the standard, concerns of seed buyers and will carry out research on National Certification Schemes.
The Group of Experts on Early and Ware Potatoes (GE.5) will work on the standards for tolerance for sizing, definition of long varieties;
The Group of Experts on Early and Ware Potatoes (GE.5) will also undertake the following projects: :
* UNECE Conditions of Sale and RUCIP 2000;
* Progress of the OECD Explanatory Brochure;
* Report on national provisions for traceability
7.1.4 Development of recommendations under Working Party on Technical Harmonization and Standardization Policies (WP.6)
7.1.4.1 Development and Maintenance of recommendations on standardization and regulatory policies
Experts working under WP.6 will revise and prepare new recommendations to governments concerning establishing business friendly standardization and regulatory environment and at the same ensuring necessary protection of health, environment, etc of the population. Such recommendations and their implementation should contribute to elimination of technical obstacles to trade.
Target Audience: Government regulatory authorities
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2004
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.1.4.2 Elaboration of proposals on conformity assessment and metrology matters
The WP.6 will elaborate proposals aimed at harmonization of conformity assessment procedures in the region with the view of finding an agreed objective criteria for metrology and conformity assessment procedures to achieve mutual confidence between partners. The WP.6 will also study ways of a wider use in trade of agreements on mutual recognition of tests and certificates.
Target Audience: Certifiers, accreditators, companies
Target Date for Completion: 2003-2005
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.2 Implementation: Reduction of barriers to trade in all countries, and UNECE member States in particular, through the greater implementation of international and UNECE trade facilitation norms, standards, instruments and recommendations
Despite considerable advances over the past decade, greater implementation of existing trade facilitation recommendations, norms and standards has emerged as one of the pressing needs of many countries, especially in transition and developing countries. In order to address this need, UNECE will undertake the following initiatives:
7.2.1 Implementation/Capacity Building in Trade Facilitation and e-business
7.2.1.1 Capacity-building in trade facilitation and electronic business in the Mediterranean
The objective of the project is to increase the competitiveness of companies in the Mediterranean region in regional and global markets, through simplifying and harmonizing trade procedures throughout the transaction chain; implementing automated processes and information technology for administration and commerce; and facilitating the participation of small- and medium-sized (SME) enterprises in electronic business. It will focus on trade among the non-European Union Mediterranean countries, members of UNECE, ESCWA and ECA.
Under the project, UNECE will develop e-learning tools for Trade Facilitation based on Recommendation 18 (in support of the Mediterranean project). These tools will also be available for training in other areas and projects.
Further, a study will be undertaken in each target country regarding the status and needs of trade facilitation and electronic business infrastructure, based on interviews with public officials and representatives of private business sectors or user associations. This study will utilize Trade and Transport facilitation toolkit of the World Bank's Global Facilitation Partnership (GFP).
The implementation of the project will result in:
* Broader application of the United Nations standards for trade facilitation and electronic business in Mediterranean countries that are not members of the European Union;
* Establishment of a network of expertise between national institutions, the United Nations regional commissions and UNCTAD for trade facilitation and electronic business, which will also promote better understanding of the work done in this area by other international organizations;
* Strengthened cooperation between the countries of the region in regards to trade facilitation and electronic business;
* Enhanced capacity for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region to join the international supply chain; and of trade facilitation and electronic business.
Target Audience: Non-European Union Mediterranean countries, members of UNECE, ESCWA and ECA. Policy makers in Governments and trade in transition and developing economies
Target Date for Completion: Two year project, 2002-03
Team Responsibility: Technical cooperation and projects Team in cooperation with the Trade Facilitation Team for the technical assistance to governments and the Electronic Business Team for UNeDocs training tool.
7.2.1.2 UNeDocs
Despite the rapid increase in the use of e-business tools in trade, the use of paper documents still remains a common practice in both developed and developing countries. This is due to several factors, including the lack of appropriate legislation, the lack of legal clarity on electronic signatures, and the lack of development of systems and procedures to accommodate electronic documents. UNECE is developing a tool, named UNeDocs, to provide the electronic equivalent of paper trade documents. UNeDocs builds on the experience and standards that UNECE has developed for paper trade documents, notably the UN Layout Key and the Trade Data Element Directory (UNTDED). By combining these paper based standards with UN/EDIFACT and the latest Internet and XML approaches, UNeDocs tries to find a solution that integrates SMEs and transition economies into advanced supply chain processes based on electronic information exchange.
UneDocs aims to develop instruments to:
* provide a new e-business interpretation of the UNLK
* provide tools and technical assistance in alignment of national trade documentation
* provide training on document related trade facilitation instruments
provide support in the implementation of electronic window concepts
Target Audience: Cross-sector including administrations; focus on transition economies and developing countries.
Target Date for Completion: Tools for document modelling early 2003;
Team Responsibility: Electronic business team
7.2.1.3 Basic Guide to Trade Facilitation Implementation
As was clearly demonstrated at the UNECE 2002 International Forum on Trade Facilitation, many developing and transition economies require guidance on the process of implementing trade facilitation measures. In response to this demand, UNECE will develop a Basic Guide to Trade Facilitation Implementation, describing the various steps to be taken by Governments, commercial parties and controlling agencies. The Guide will have a policy level focus and is intended to complement the more technical Trade Facilitation Handbook which is currently being developed by UNCTAD.
NOTE: Development of this Guide will be contracted out.
Target Audience: Policy makers in Governments and trade in transition and developing economies
Target Date for Completion: June 2003
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation Team
7.2.1.4 Tools for trade
UNECE will develop instruments that support the implementation of trade facilitation, including development of Web publication of standards, standards as downloadable databases and XML integration of code lists.
Target Audience: Transition and developing economies but not restricted to
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing; demand and technology driven
Team Responsibility: Electronic business team
7.2.1.5 Capacity-Building to Improve Trade Finance and Investment Prospects for the Sustainable Development of the Russian Timber Sector
The UNECE Trade Development and Timber Division is currently implementing the project "Capacity Building to Improve Trade Finance and Investment Prospects for the Russian Timber Sector". The project aims at strengthening the trade performance of the Russian forest sector by contributing specific trade facilitation expertise from the division.
The focus of the project is on:
* Sustainable development;
* Direct cooperation at the enterprise level;
* Regional cooperation at the level of the North-Western regions of the Russian Federation;
* Trade, timber and environment issues;
* Cross-sectoral work.
The project was initiated at the request of the Russian Federation.
The project partners are from the public and private sectors, in the Russian Federation and in Europe. They include a wide range of private enterprises, local and regional governments, and major forest sector institutions.
Main activities of the project
The project aims at improving the trade performance of the Russian timber sector through the following activities:
* Sustainable management practices for the Russian timber enterprises
* Improved trade procedures in the timber industry
* Innovative trade finance techniques
* Capacity building for improved foreign investment
* Sustainable use of biomass
* Timber port operations
These activities are based on the core competencies of the Trade Development and Timber Division and the priority needs of the Russian forest sector.
Experts from the Timber Branch, the Policy and Governmental Cooperation Branch, and the Global Trade Solutions Branch work closely together in the project for the benefit of the Russian timber enterprises.
The project activity "Improved Trade logistics for the Sustainable Use of Biomass" is a good example of the practical results that have been achieved. The development of sustainable use of biomass from the Russian forest industries as a substitute for fossil fuel has become a leading activity in the field.
Target Audience: Russian Forest Sector
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing
Team Responsibility: Technical cooperation and projects team
7.2.1.6 Participation in WTO seminars and workshops within the Doha Development Agenda
The task of assisting developing and transition economies in implementing standards and trade facilitation measures is considerable. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has embarked on a programme of capacity building seminars and training workshops to assist such countries in understanding and planning for trade facilitation implementation. The Trade Development Branches will, subject to travel funding availability, assist the WTO in these initiatives, especially in relation to transition economies.
Target Audience: Transition and developing economies
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation and e-business teams
7.2.1.7 Development of the implementation framework for a Regional Commissions Project on Trade facilitation and e-business for sustainable development
UNECE will work with the other regional commissions, and in collaboration and relevant UN agencies, to develop a common project proposal for capacity-building in trade facilitation and e-business for sustainable development that would include the following components in an incremental approach, and would make the best use of the existing infrastructure:
* Trade facilitation policy and implementation issues;
* Technical assistance to governments;
* Capacity-building for SMEs in electronic business;
* Support to countries, sub-regions and regions in formulating negotiating objectives and strategies on trade facilitation
Target Audience: Developing and transition economies in the UNECE, ESCWA, ECA, ECLAC and ESCAP regions
Target Date for Completion: Project implementation 2004-05
Team Responsibility: Technical cooperation and projects Team in cooperation ECLAC, ECA, ESCWA and ESCAP.
7.2.2 Implementation/Capacity Building in Perishable Produce Standards and Quality
7.2.2.1 Seminars on quality control and quality development for Perishable Produce
The working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce and Quality Development (WP.7) will coordinate with the different Specialized Sections the development of seminars for quality control and quality development Seminars in Croatia and Uzbekistan planned for 2003.
7.2.2.2 Food quality/ safety seminar
The Group of Experts for the Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (GE.1) will provide technical assistance/ training programmes - preparation of a food quality/ safety seminar in cooperation with UN/ESCAP, Codex Alimentarius, OECD, WTO and EAN International.
7.2.3 Implementation/Capacity Building in Standardization and Quality
7.2.3.1 Implementation/Capacity Building on standardization and harmonization issues
This project is aimed at a better understanding and wider implementation of principles of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade in the region, in particular in countries acceding to WTO. It strengthen cooperation between the national standards setting bodies countries of the region. A number of workshops will be organized at the invitation of interested governments.
Target Audience: Regulatory and trade authorities in transition economies
Target Date for Completion: 2003-04
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.2.3.2 Implementation of the UNECE recommendation "International Model for Technical Harmonization"
The Team of specialists on standardization and regulatory techniques ("START" Team) will prepare proposals on the practical implementation of the "International Model" in sectors where there is an interest from governments in regulatory convergence. The Team will work closely with interested business associations and companies.
Target Audience: Regulators and companies
Target Date for Completion: 2003
Team Responsibility: Standardization Team
7.2.3.3 Seminars on quality and environmental management
The WP:6 will organize seminars on quality and environmental management standards in the transition economies to raise awareness about such systems and provide guidance on their implementation. Such meetings will enhance capacity for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region to compete successfully both on national and international levels.
7.3 Policy: Assisting trade policy development through the provision of an open international platform for the exchange of views and the development of constructive initiatives, particularly with respect to the concerns and priorities of UNECE member States with economies in transition
The development of and contribution to trade and economic policy initiatives has become a major activity of UNECE Trade Development and Timber Division in recent years. Work in this area includes initiatives on information and communication technologies for development, contributions to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, work related to European Union enlargement, and important policy development initiatives in our traditional areas of standardization and trade facilitation. The major activities that will be carried out in the planning period are detailed below.
7.3.1 Contributions to the WSIS and ICT for Development:
The Trade Development and Timber Division will act as the bureau for the UNECE ITC Task Force. The Division will provide support to special UN ICT initiatives including the United Nations ICT Task Force and related input to the 2003 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
Target Audience: All UNECE public/private sector
Target Date for Completion: WSIS, December 2003 and ongoing for ICT Task Force
Team Responsibility: Multidisciplinary
7.3.2 Contributions to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
In the area of Trade and Environment, the Trade Development and Timber Division will cooperate with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs to help transition economies prepare for the WSSD and to implement its results. This work will be integrated with cross-sectoral policy development between the CTIED and the Timber Committee.
Target Audience: Transition country public sector
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing
Team Responsibility: Multidisciplinary
7.3.3 Contributions to "Beyond EU enlargement: economic integration in a wider Europe:
The Trade Development and Timber Division will act as the focal point for European Union (EU) matters and EU liaison and will provide substantive support for the UNECE's work on the implementation of EU enlargement and economic integration issues. Strategic papers will be research coordinated to support the investigation of the feasibility of a Common European Economic Space (CEES) based on UNECE's instruments to facilitate trade and transport in the region. The Division will organize a trade-related sectoral workshop in 2003 and will contribute to a regional conference in 2004.
Target Audience: All UNECE public/private sector
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing
Team Responsibility: Policy Team
7.3.4 Development of Trade Facilitation Policy and undertaking relevant research
Possible areas for research and policy development include:
* Strategies and approaches for implementing Trade Facilitation in transition economies
* Facilitating Trade in Services
* Implementing Trade Facilitation within the WTO
* 20 years of Trade Facilitation Pro organizations - current practices, lessons learned and future requirements
* Measuring Trade Facilitation Implementation
* Trade Facilitation Strategies for landlocked countries
* Public/Private Sector models for implementing Trade Facilitation
* Options for funding Trade Facilitation implementation
* Regional versus global approaches to Trade Facilitation implementation
* The benefits and costs of Trade Facilitation
* Trade Facilitation and Development
* Trade Facilitation case studies in transition and developing economies - lessons learned and recommendations for the future
Clearly, this is a large agenda and UNECE will be highly selective in its approach to these topics. It is intended to undertake research in three of the above areas over the planning period.
Target Audience: Various
Target Date for Completion: Ongoing
Team Responsibility: Multidisciplinary, possibly involving other Divisions within UNECE and also private consultants
7.3.5 Establishment of a Trade Facilitation Policy Working Group Within CEFACT
The UN/CEFACT Plenary meeting in May 2002 agreed to the establishment of a Policy Development Group (PWG) to develop proposals, concepts and ideas regarding future strategies and direction for trade facilitation and e-business, directed towards governments and the private sector alike in all regions. The Group may develop recommendations on specific policy issues, such as the inclusion and implementation of trade facilitation and e-business tools and measures in overall trade and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) policy. It will report to the UN/CEFACT Plenary.
The Secretariat will support the Policy Working Group through the preparation of policy papers and the undertaking of specific research, in association with the Group.
7.2.6 Standardization Policy
Due to liberalization of international trade, the issue of technical barriers to trade is gaining importance and differences in standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment rules are major obstacles to trade. Hence there is the necessity to further work towards harmonization and convergence in these areas.
The UNECE contributes to the implementation of the relevant WTO rules and provisions through provision of advice on the possible forms and mechanisms of their practical implementation. Such dialogue and search for mutually accepted solutions have already started and will be continued.
7.4 Promotion of the value and effectiveness of trade facilitation instruments and standards in trade and economic development
There is a pressing need for a greater awareness and understanding of the benefits, implications and available recourses for trade facilitation and e-business implementation. Clearly, more needs to be done to sensitize policy makers to the core issues involved and also to the strategies and approaches for implementation. UNECE plans to undertake the following projects to address this need:
7.4.1 International Forum on Trade Facilitation 2003
Following the success of the 2002 International Forum on Trade Facilitation, UNECE has been requested to hold a similar Forum in May/June 2003 under the theme "Sharing the gains of Globalization". This event will build on the success of the previous Forum and will seek to deepen and expand on the depth and level of information and interaction provided to participants. The 2003 Forum will hold parallel sessions on specific topics of interest to participants, will have a high level of participation from the private sector, will focus on practical issues involving the implementation of trade facilitation, and will provided extended opportunities for policy debate and formulation.
Target Audience: International Governments, business organizations, trade practitioners, trade related international organizations, and trade negotiators
Target Date for Completion: May/June 2003
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation Team and Policy Team
7.4.2 Multiplier Points
The Trade Development and Timber Division has set up a network of Multiplier Point in 23 transition economies. These Multiplier Points disseminate trade information for the UNECE and the wider UN system and brings this information to the many potential beneficiaries in its member States: business, governments, NGOs and trade associations.
The organizations joining the network promote, distribute and translate into national languages reports, guidelines and other forms of information to promote effective implementation of the work done at the UNECE. The target audiences are the business community including start-up entrepreneurs and local, regional and national authorities in charge of developing an enabling environment for business and trade. The programme significantly contributes to local capacity building. Since April 2001 forty-three organizations from 23 Central and Eastern European countries as well as Commonwealth of Independent States have joined and now actively participate in the activities of the established network.
During the planning period 2003-2005 the Multiplier Points network will continue to contribute to UNECE visibility in the region and prove the potential for promoting UN publications and documentation related to the creation of a favourable environment for business and trade. The major activities that will include the incorporation of new countries and organizations in the network and its extension throughout West Europe and North America; preparation of a web site in the three UNECE working languages (English, French and Russian); an increasing exchange of information, ideas, knowledge and know-how, and dissemination of UNECE recommendations, standards, directives, documents and other sources of information throughout the network; continued strengthening of cooperation and coordination between the experts from Multiplier Points' organizations supported by the UNECE experts.
Target audience: Business community, including start-up entrepreneurs, local, regional and national authorities in charge of business and trade, NGOs, Governments, Missions, Delegations, International organizations.
Target Date for Completion: ongoing
Team Responsibility: Promotion and Information Dissemination Team
7.4.3 Promotional material on Standardization of Perishable Produce and Quality Development
The Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce and Quality Development (WP.7) will work on promotional material (e.g. booklet on UNECE Standards) for the use of the Secretariat and delegations to promote knowledge and application of UNECE Standards.
Target Audience:
Target Date for Completion:
Team Responsibility:
7.4.4 Information Brochure on UNECE's Trade Related Work
Awareness of the range and availability of UNECE Recommendations and Standards is low. Consequently, UNECE will develop an informative brochure outlining the specific Recommendations, norms and standards and tools developed by the organization.
Target Audience: Governments, Missions. Business community, international organizations
Target Date for Completion: June 2003
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation, Policy and Information Dissemination Teams
7.4.5 Maintenance and further development of UNECE trade related Web sites
The Internet is a major instrument for building trade facilitation awareness and for supporting implementation. Over the last two years, the Trade Development and Timber Division has developed several Web portals providing trade facilitation information and tools to specific user groups. The sites are very well accepted by the user community. They account for about 1/3 of the UNECE web access and contain more than 10000 web pages of information. During the next two years the site will be significantly re-focussed to ensure better access to UNECE trade facilitation and standards information.
Target Audience: Governments, Missions. Business community, international organizations
Target Date for Completion: ongoing
Team Responsibility: Promotion and Information Dissemination Team
7.4.6 Information Dissemination Programme
UNECE recognizes the need to inform it broad client base of the work being undertaken by the organization.. To this end, the Information Team will embark on a proactive information dissemination programme (including regular briefings, press releases, liaison ) targeted at:
* UNECE Member States
* Trade missions and Heads of Delegations in Geneva.
* Other UN and international organizations
Target Audience: Governments, Missions, Delegations, business community, international organizations
Target Date for Completion: ongoing
Team Responsibility: Promotion and Information Dissemination Team
7.4.7 CEFACT Promotion and Communications Group
The UN/CEFACT Plenary meeting in May 2002 agreed to the establishment of a Promotion and Communication Group (PCG) to develop policy guidelines for promotional and communication activities as well as promotional material focusing on the benefits of trade facilitation and the UN/CEFACT's work. The PCG may develop publications and guidelines on specific issues, as well as take initiatives for seminars and events. It will report to the CEFACT Plenary. The Secretariat will support the Promotion and Communication Group through the preparation of policy guidelines and promotional material, and the overall promotion of UN/CEFACT work, in association with the Group.
Target Audience: Governments, Missions, Delegations, business community, international organizations
Target Date for Completion: ongoing
Team Responsibility: Trade Facilitation Team
7.4.8 Trade Directory
The Trade Directory for the UNECE region is a reference guide which was developed in order to assist in bridging existing information gaps and stimulate trade and investment within the region. It offers a "one-stop-shop" for small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) looking for institutional information in support of their export or investment activities, and increase transparency in regulations and trading requirements at the national and international levels. The Trade Directory consists of two sections: the first on international organizations supporting trade and the second on the national organizations supporting trade in each UNECE member State. It will be made available on the Internet and regularly up-dated.
Target Audience: Governments, Missions, Delegations, business community, international organizations
Target Date for Completion: ongoing
Team Responsibility: Promotion and Information Dissemination Team
7.4.9. Publications
The Trade Development and Timber Division prepares a large range of publications, both recurrent and non-recurrent. These publications are sources of highly relevant information and also serve as references guides to facilitate the implementation of standards, norms and recommendations in the member states. A list publication scheduled for the planning period is found below:
New Publications:
* Brochure on UNECE Trade Development, Products and Services, 2003
* Trade Facilitation Implementation Guide, 2003
* UNECE Codes for Electronic Business (Internet publication), 1 each year,
* Guide to Trade Facilitation Benchmarking, 2003
* Trade Facilitation Benchmarking Recommendation, 2004
* Recommendation on Single Window, 2003
* Reports on Sustainable Management of Timber Enterprises, 1 issue each year,
* Reports on Sustainable Development of Biomass, 1 issue each year,
* Guidelines on Standardization Policies, (I per year)
* Report on work of one of the Advisory Groups working on Legal and Commercial Practices, 1 issue each year,
* Recommendations to Improve Trade Financing and Procedures, 2003,
* Guidelines on Best Practice in Enterprise Development, 2003,
Recurrent publications:
* Trade Data Interchange Directory (TDID) (Internet publication), 2 each year
* Trade Data Elements Director (TDED) (Internet publication), 1 in 2003,
* UNECE Standards for Trade and Electronic Business (Internet publication),1 each year,
* United Nations Code for Ports and Other Locations (LOCODE)(CD-ROM publication), 1 each year
* UNECE Standards for Dry and Dried Fruit (Revision), 1 each year,
* UNECE Standards for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (Revision), 1 each year,
* UNECE Standards for Seed Potatoes (Revision), 1 each year,
* National Certification Schemes for Seed
* UNECE Standards for Bovine Carcasses and Cuts, 1 each year,
* UNECE Standards for Poultry Meat, 1 in 2003,
* Annual Report on CTIED Trade Activities, 1 in 2003,
* UNECE Guidelines on Best Practice in Business Incubation, 1 in 2003.
7.5 Integration of UNECE's trade activities with other UN and international trade related bodies
UNECE enjoys well-structured cooperation and coordination with the United Nations headquarters in New York as well as other trade-related organizations within and without the UN system, especially with:
* United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
* World Trade Organization (WTO)
* World Customs Organization (WCO)
* Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
* International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
* The World Bank
* International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
* International Standardization Organizations (ISO)
* International Trade Centre (ITC)
* Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
* United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
* European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Close cooperation with the other regional commissions includes concrete projects, such as the Mediterranean Project and the Regional Commissions Project on Trade facilitation and e-business (detailed in Sections 7.2.1.1 and 7.2.1.8 respectively), as well the regular exchange of information.
UNECE also works with a range of sub-regional groupings, such as the CIS secretariat and specialized agencies such as the CIS Interstate Council for Standardization . In all cases, UNECE's work is well-coordinated with the other secretariats and adds value to inter-governmental trade cooperation. The UNECE also works closely with the European Union (EU).
-------------------------
Endnotes:
1 Sub programme 6 - Trade development - Objective "The objective is to facilitate and develop the infrastructure for international trade in terms of trade-related norms, standards, tools and policy recommendations; to reduce the main internal and external obstacles to trade and economic cooperation in the UNECE region; and to further the integration of countries with economies in transition into the global economy.
2 UNECE Plan of Action, Annex IV, UNECE Annual Report for the period from 20 April 1996 to 24 April 1997 (E/ECE/1355)
3 Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development, Terms of Reference, Policy Objectives and Strategic Goals, 28 March 2001, TRADE/2001/2
4 United Nations Millennium Declaration, Resolution adopted by the General Assembly 55/2
5 This is only a first draft of a possible mission statement - prepared by Tom B. to assist in the overall flow of the current document - and adopted from UNECE Plan of Action, Annex IV, UNECE Annual Report for the period from 20 April 1996 to 24 April 1997 (E/ECE/1355)). We need to formalise as a group an agreed mission statement as soon as possible, possibly with the help of Matthew. Within this statement, trade facilitation includes all trade procedures involved in the entire trade transaction process, including agricultural standards and standardisation issues. Also, it is implied that in order to be of value within a global trade environment, UNECE's norms and standards development work must be inclusive of the broader international community. Implementation issues will, however, continue to be focussed on UNECE member countries
6 This is a draft mission statement - subject to revision at our upcoming workshop in late September.
7 The International Forum on Trade Facilitation, Geneva, 29-30 May 2002, Chairman's Conclusions: The Way Forward to Facilitate Trade
8 United Nations Millennium Declaration, Resolution adopted by the General Assembly 55/2
9 Monterrey Consensus: Draft Outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development, 1 March 2002. (A/CONF/198/3)
10 For further information see UNECE United Nations Layout Key for Trade Documents, Guidelines for Application, 2002 (ECE/TRADE/270)
11 The UNECE has developed, and maintains, the only international standard for Electronic data Interchange (EDI), which is known as UN Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport or UN/EDIFACT. UN/EDIFACT is widely used in international trade and has been adopted by the European Union as well as by many individual countries such as Brazil, the Republic of Korea and Singapore. It is also the preferred EDI standard within the US Government.
12 For a full list of UNECE's trade facilitation recommendations se the Compendium of Trade Facilitation Recommendations, UNECE, 2002 (ECE/TRADE/279)
i Charter of the United Nations, www.un.org/aboutun/charter/preamble.htm
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