Establishing Well Functioning National Trade Facilitation Bodies (NTFBs)
In the OIC Member States
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trade. Additionally, it aims to undertake coordination of efforts of concerned organizations in the
field of facilitation of international trade and transport; as well as to organize and present training
seminars and workshops to improve the capacity of domestic industry in international trade and
transport procedures and knowledge of the international trading practices, to promote and support
training and research by other national bodies and stakeholders. There is a budget that comes from
the Export Development Fund.
Analysis
Pakistan possesses with 17 out of the 18 elements identified by UNCTAD in its Repository,
accounting for 94% of applied principles for the sustainability of its NTFB. A key factor to highlight
whether a NTFB is working properly or not, is their output. Though it is not included on UNCTAD's
elements, it is important because it is a direct measure of how effective the NTFB has been. Pakistan
NTTFC recommendations are being implemented by the government and have the following concrete
operational outputs:
 Single Administrative Document for Customs clearance introduced;
 Customs clearance system computerized;
 Web Base One Custom (WeBOC) system introduced by Pakistan Customs
 Freight forwarding industry being modernized;
 Security arrangements for international transport of goods; and
 Modernization of transport legislation.
 LOCODEs for main trading locations Accession to revised Kyoto Convention, ATA Carnet
Convention COTIF.
 An important obstacle is the reluctance to change as well as the frequent rotation of
representatives from both public and private sector with regards to trade facilitation
matters.
The lesson learned for implementing trade facilitation measures requires persistence and persuasion
by dedicated professional staff of a permanent Secretariat.
The success and sustainability of NTTFC depends heavily on political will and commitment at the
highest level. The support from main authorities is required, as well as full commitment and
participation from lead agencies and key stakeholders. Moreover, it has been highlighted that
financial resources are necessary in order to organize activities in the NTTFC. In addition to this, it is
critical that members of this NTTFC understand their roles when carrying out the Trade and
Transport Facilitation Project and dealing with a relatively high turnover of officials representing its
various member organizations.
Another challenge is that this NTTFC needs to find a balance regarding the participation of decision
makers from the Committee and of technical specialists in the working groups. While the
participation of decision makers provides political commitment that drives trade and transport
facilitation work forward, an adequate professional contribution of technical specialists in the
working groups enables the follow-up on decisions and recommendations issued by the Committee
over a long period of time.
NTTFC acts as an intermediary between local stakeholders and international organizations that
promote trade and transport facilitation. By maintaining close links with these international