WTO, WCO chiefs pledge joint efforts to facilitate trade in essential goods

The heads of the WTO and World Customs Organization (WCO) issued a joint statement pledging to work together to facilitate trade in essential goods such as medical supplies, food, and energy.

They also pledged to establish a coordinated approach to support initiatives that facilitate cross-border trade so that essential goods can quickly reach those most in need, including in the least developed and land-locked countries.

WTO and WCO members have already been invited to increase transparency by sharing information on new trade and trade-related measures introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread globally and governments consider new measures to protect the health and well-being of their citizens, we urge Members to ensure that any new border action is targeted, proportionate, transparent and non-discriminatory,” they declared.

As the pandemic evolves, the two organizations will continue to further explore ways to coordinate the efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic aimed at keeping trade flows open for the safety of populations around the world and a strong recovery of the global economy.

Original source: WTO
Published on 06 April 2020