Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation : Newsletter June 2025

 

Newsletter | July 2025

Dear Reader, As we close out the second quarter of 2025, the Alliance continues to gain momentum across its global portfolio through a strong pipeline of upcoming projects. This quarter has been marked by meaningful progress—from new publications and project launches to inspiring trader stories and high-level strategic engagements. It’s been a period of strong collaboration and tangible impact.

 

Growing Our Network

Canada Strengthens Commitment to Inclusive Trade  We are proud to announce renewed support from Global Affairs Canada, which has committed additional funding to the Alliance. This support will help us expand our impact, with a strong focus on empowering women traders and promoting inclusive and fair trade. The announcement reaffirms Canada’s leadership in global trade reform and its commitment to building a more resilient and equitable trading system. Read more

 

Projects News Streamlining Trade in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Alliance has launched a new initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina to support the digitalisation and optimisation of customs clearance for postal and express shipments. The project will introduce pre-arrival and pre-departure processing, aiming to reduce clearance times by 30%, boost e-commerce competitiveness for MSMEs and align customs procedures with EU and international standards. Read more

 

Growing Beyond Borders: Koffitse Kpogli’s Export Story with ePhyto Our latest trader story from Togo highlights the real-world impact of trade digitalisation. A local exporter shares how the ePhyto system has made export procedures faster, more transparent, and more reliable – particularly for small business. It’s a powerful example of how our work operates at the nexus of trade and development, helping businesses of all sizes thrive in global markets. Read more Publications Trade Facilitation and Climate Action

We’ve just released the latest edition of our Trade Facilitation Link series, exploring the connection between trade and climate. This new two-pager offers a concise, accessible introduction to how trade facilitation can help reduce carbon emissions. It highlights how digitalising border procedures and cutting red tape can streamline supply chains, reduce inefficiencies, and save both time and CO₂. It’s a timely conversation starter in the lead-up to the WTO Public Forum in September, where we’ll launch a more in-depth knowledge paper on the topic. Read more

 

Videos ADEPT: Accelerating Delivery of Essential Products Together

A new video on our ADEPT initiative is now live on YouTube! The clip shows how our partnership with UNICEF is helping to expedite the import of critical medical supplies in developing countries, highlighting the power of public-private collaboration in strengthening health systems and saving lives through faster, more efficient border processes. Watch the video

 

Hear From our Network: How the Alliance Is Driving Impact

In collaboration with the World Economic Forum, we’ve released a new video message from leaders in trade facilitation. The video reflects on the Alliance’s achievements and mission, while outlining a shared vision for the future. It celebrates the strength of our partnerships and the tangible impact of our work in making trade simpler, faster, and more inclusive. Watch the video

 

Events Alliance Steering Group Meeting The Alliance’s latest Steering Group meeting took place in London in June 2025, bringing together donors and private sector partners for  discussions on the Alliance’s  strategic priorities and upcoming initiatives. We were delighted to welcome Ellen Dunbar from Global Affairs Canada and Nesli Almufti from H&M Group as the newest members of the Steering Group. A heartfelt thank you to all participants for their continued support and insights. Read more

 

About Us The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation supports governments in developing and least developed countries in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Alliance projects cut through red tape and end costly delays at borders by bringing together governments and businesses of all sizes as equal partners to deliver targeted trade reforms. The Alliance is led by the Center for International Private Enterprise, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the World Economic Forum, in cooperation with Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It is funded by the governments of Canada, Germany, the European Union and Sweden. For more information visit: www.tradefacilitation.org