FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
92
Cooperation among the OIC Member States in customs matters is crucial not only for
facilitating intra-OIC trade but also for encouraging foreign direct investment flows
among them. Member States need to adopt international standards in customs matters
and accede to the relevant international conventions. Moreover, they shall increase
bilateral and regional dialogue among their customs administrations. Well established
dialogue among the Customs Administrations will contribute to adjusting the customs
procedures in line with international standards.
Cooperation among the Neighboring Countries
Most of the Member States have common borders with each other. Harmonizing the
customs procedures and aligning the working hours among the neighboring Member
States maybe a good starting point. This type of cooperation will have significant
impact on facilitating bilateral and transit trade among the Member Countries.
Technical Cooperation
This study showed that, some of the Member States have relatively more advanced
practices in customs procedures. Technical cooperation in the form of experience
sharing programs, expert exchange, training programs and field visits may be organized
among the Member States in the following areas:
 Conducting Needs Assessment
 Acceding to the International Conventions
 Drafting Laws
 Institutional Arrangements
 Coordination Mechanisms-Trade Facilitation Bodies
 Risk Management
 Post Clearance Audit
 Single Window
 Authorized Economic Operators
 Advance Rulings
 Appeal Procedures
 Customs Valuation
 Human Resources Management
COMCEC and relevant OIC Institutions such as IDB Group (ITFC) and the ICDT shall
play facilitator role in implementing such technical cooperation programmes among the
Member States through organizing these programs. These institutions may also
cooperate with the relevant international institutions to promote customs reforms. For
example UNECE, World Bank and WCO have expertise and can provide technical
assistance on these matters.