Context
International trade drives economic growth and job creation. In many developing countries, however, complex customs regulations and non-transparent border procedures hamper trading opportunities. This reduces incentives for international investment and makes it more difficult for local companies to export internationally.
Objective
In the partner countries, innovative measures on trade facilitation make trade faster, safer, more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective.
Approach
As a partner in the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, the project supports developing countries and least developed countries in simplifying and digitalising customs procedures. Public-private partnerships are at the heart of these efforts: working with companies and public sector partners, the project reduces red tape. This saves both governments and companies time and resources, and cuts CO2 emissions. Products reach consumers more easily and quickly.
To this end, the project networks customs authorities, political partners and local and international companies, and works to replace paper-based, time-consuming processes with digital solutions. Users are then trained in the new system.
In Geneva, the project also empowers developing countries to actively shape informed trade policy discussions – through specialist information events and opportunities for mutual exchange, usually in cooperation with think tanks.
Through its cooperation with partner countries, the project supports the implementation of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. At the same time, it contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The European Union is the project’s main financier. Its implementation takes place in 12 countries: Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal and Togo.
Last update: July 2026