Washington, DC - The State Department welcomes the December 17th launch of the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and congratulates USAID for its leadership. This public private partnership will help developing countries streamline their border processes making the movement of goods more transparent and efficient. Reducing trade costs and increasing predictability allows small and medium-size enterprises to reach new customers and take advantage of global supply and value chains.

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is one way in which the United States and other governments are helping assist developing countries meet their obligations under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. We further encourage all WTO Members to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement expeditiously to reap the benefits that come with its implementation.

The United States firmly believes that private sector-led trade and investment are fundamental for sustainable economic development and growth. The private sector’s expertise in moving goods across borders is crucial for helping countries successfully implement their commitments to facilitate trade.

Private sector expertise in moving goods across borders is essential to successfully implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Reducing trade costs and increasing transparency through trade facilitation reforms can increase global incomes by $40 billion and boost global GDP by $1 trillion.