Establishing Well Functioning National Trade Facilitation Bodies (NTFBs)
In the OIC Member States
112
4.4.2.2. The second phase: In order to have an NTFB that is functional, these
elements are recommended
 Political will at a high level of government and the will of the private sector
Institutionalization and legal backing for a body is important but the sustainability/successful
functioning of an NTFB will depend on strong levels of motivation and commitment on behalf of high
level government officials and the private sector. It is also worth recalling that the institutionalization
of NTFBs (i.e., providing legal backing/framework) is not necessarily totally removed from ensuring
political commitment in particular – i.e., making the NTFB “official” can assist in ensuring continued
political commitment to it.
 Determined leadership of the representatives from public and private
sector
Leadership by representatives of both the public and private sector is a crucial element for effective
participation and the maintenance of strong levels of commitment to the NTFB. This concept of
leadership is somewhat distinct from levels of motivation/will/commitment (discussed above) and is
related to issues such as technical competency, expertise, legitimacy, etc.
 Even representation of both sectors, public and private
A fundamental aspect of NTFBs is that they should allow for the balanced participation of
representatives from the public and private sectors. The structure of the NTFB and its operational
design should ensure that public and private representation and participation remains balanced. A
balanced membership172 is a first step towards ensuring balanced participation. As mentioned
elsewhere in this paper, this balance ensures that NTFBs can effectively fulfil their role – e.g., in terms
of identifying issues and viable solutions to those issues (both of which require balanced
consultations and input from the public and private sectors).
 Further participation/voice of other representatives such as: Academia
and NGOs
Entities not strictly representing public or private sector actors – but with separate mandates – may
be full members of NTFBs. Moreover, participation in NTFBs need not be limited to full members.
Drawing on the particular area of expertise of this broader group can be useful. For example,
especially when it comes to technical issues being considered by an NTFB (i.e. security, IT,
engineering, etc.), these entities (perhaps with observer status) and/or persons can be part of an ad
hoc working group can make useful contributions by drawing on their expertise on such specific
issues.
 Coordination between agencies and/or sectors that will lead the NTFB
Domestic coordination is particularly important to ensure that NTFBs can effectively fulfil their
mandates and discharge their functions. Without appropriate coordination, issues may not be
172 UNESCAP, Designing and Implementing Trade Facilitation in Asia and the Pacific: 2013 Update, Table 3.2.