How do we make trade in the Americas both more efficient and sustainable? IRU outlined key measures at a recent World Customs Organization event.
At the IV Joint Forum Customs on Regional Private Sector Group of the Americas and the Caribbean Region, organised by the World Customs Organization and its regional Private Sector Consultative Group, IRU stressed the importance of harmonised border procedures.
IRU Senior Adviser for the Americas Martin Rojas said, “Harmonising and digitalising border procedures are key to more secure, faster and sustainable trade. The lack of harmonised processes is impeding trade, causing unnecessary delays and, by extension, undermining economic development in the Americas.”
“We’re seeing this all over the world. As long as border processes are not harmonised, trade, businesses and communities suffer. This is why UN tried-and-tested tools such as the TIR system are so critical to facilitating transit and trade. If we want ‘green trade’, we need to first start looking at our inefficient border policies and increase public-private cooperation and partnerships. Smoother border flows mean greener trade,” he added.
Exchanges between customs authorities and the private sector allow trade actors to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities to streamline international trade.
IRU will continue working with the public and private sector as well as international organisations to optimise trade in the Americas, boosting the efficiency and sustainability of international road goods transport.
