Making cross border trade simpler (11 April)

In recent years, due to the speed of digital development, there has been an increased focus on the digitalization of cross-border movements of goods and the simplification of administrative processes. Port Community Systems (PCS) have been exchanging electronic information in sea ports and airports for over 40 years, and with the advent of Single Window (SW) and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, PCS have become an increasingly important part of simplifying cross-border trade.

To address these important issues, the seminar on "Making cross-border trade simpler", co-sponsored by IMO and the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), was held at IMO Headquarters, London (11April), as a side event of the Forty-third Session of IMO's Facilitation Committee.

The seminar consisted of presentations from speakers on the general concept and development of PCS. It covered: Values and benefits of a Port Community System, links to Single Window and WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Presentations were focused on electronic exchange of information for trade facilitation; customs information flows and logistics flows integration; and also presented an example of a PCS implementation in Africa.

To get more information, please click Related Documents on the right column to check presentations from speakers .