FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:

Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States

and private sector representatives such as chamber of commerce, business associations,

association of transporters etc. The main objective of trade facilitation body is to

coordinate between the relevant agencies and stakeholders to analyze obstacles and if

necessary to take necessary measures to facilitate trade. This body is usually called

trade facilitation committee

trade and transport facilitation committee

Since different agencies are required to be involved in national trade facilitation bodies,

coordination, sustainability and implementing the recommendations become a major

issue for these bodies in some countries. Because some country experiences show that,

despite establishing such committees, they did not convene its meetings regularly or

held unfruitful meetings.

In order to make the trade facilitation bodies effective organs, countries need to give

utmost importance to the following issues while establishing these bodies:

Establishment by a law or a decree:

The reference decision for the establishment of

such body will encourage the stakeholders to contribute to the work of the committee.

The private sector will be encouraged to see such strong commitment of the government

side.

To be chaired by a minister:

Being chaired by the Minister will be another factor for

encouraging the stakeholders to participate in the meetings at the highest level which

means each institution or agency will be well prepared for the meetings. It is necessary

especially for ensuring the participation and commitment of the relevant government

agencies. Moreover, it will encourage the private sector to contribute to the work of the

group.

Periodical meetings:

The body shall meet periodically at least twice a year. The

meetings shall also have specific agenda, to be shared among the members before the

meetings in a timely manner. The agenda shall be supported by background reports,

recommendations etc.

Permanent secretariat with a specific mission:

The body shall have a permanent

secretariat established for serving the body within the chairing ministry. The secretariat

shall follow up the recommendations of the trade facilitation body through close

cooperation with the other agencies and stakeholders. In most cases, the agency

assuming the secretariat role has other missions to fulfill which reduces its

concentration on the activities of the committee. Therefore the secretariat shall focus on

its mandate.

Special departments to be established within participating ministries and other

stakeholder:

The special units to be established within the relevant agencies will make

these agencies to follow the issue whole year and coordinate the relevant departments