Natural Disasters and Recovery Efforts: Tapping Into Trade Facilitation As a Response Tool

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ISSUE 169 Trade Hot Topics

Natural Disasters and Recovery Efforts: Tapping into Trade Facilitation as a Response Tool

Andrea Wilkinson and Beatriz Stevens*

1. Introduction further, as the risks brought by climate change will result in increasing both the severity and the In recent decades, natural disasters have been frequency of natural events, be they weather- increasing in both frequency and strength, causing related (hurricanes, floods, droughts), geophysical significant human and financial losses, particularly (earthquakes) or biological (epidemics, such as the to least developed countries (LDCs) and small recent COVID-19 pandemic). The damage caused island developing states (SIDS). This is a result of by natural disasters often reverberates for many their pre-existing developmental challenges, which years after it occurs (World Bank, 2016b), exacerbate the negative impacts of natural warranting further understanding on how best to disasters. These challenges include fragile prepare and respond. infrastructures, higher dependence on international trade, vulnerability to external shocks, limited Trade policy can play an important role in financial, capital or human resources, and limited addressing some of these challenges. In particular, access to affordable channels of financing. trade facilitation can support countries in the aftermath of a disaster by ensuring effective and These recurrent natural disasters risk reversing timely clearance systems are in place, which can years of progress in promoting growth and speed up the entry of relief goods, and supporting sustainable development objectives within a longer-term recovery efforts. It also has the single event, while plunging an estimated 26 potential to reduce pressure by providing clearer million people back into poverty annually (World and more streamlined trading procedures, Bank, 2016b). The economic effects are often reflecting international best practices for the swift significant and include loss of income, the release of critical goods. destruction of physical and human capital and damage to infrastructure and property (WTO, In this context, this issue of Trade Hot Topics 2019b). The costs of these are estimated to be in explores the linkages between trade facilitation and the region of US$300 billion to $520 billion per natural disasters, highlighting key provisions of the year (Roberts and Mohammed, 2017), resulting in World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation long-lasting impacts on national development Agreement (TFA) and exploring novel issues in strategies. These figures are predicted to rise trade facilitation to shed light on this interplay to

* Andrea Wilkinson is Research Associate: Global Challenges and Small Island Developing States at Newcastle University, UK. Beatriz Stevens was Trade Adviser: Trade Facilitation at the Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva. Any views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Issue 169 | 2020 Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 2 rniin t sottr rcvr, o ensure kind of tosome to return can communities recovery,affected short-term to transitions focus the met, been have needs basic these Once organisations. international and regional national, of multitude a from shelter and water medicines, food, of delivery timely requires which nation, or is it phase, this paramount to meet the basic needs of a During community relief. emergency begin with These disaster. a natural following efforts recoveryand relief the to stages various areThere 2. Mainchallengescausedbynatural disasters respond to better to theimpactsofnatural disasters. view a with reform promote facilitation can trade countries how understand better te ciia gos o ep hm respond them help to effectively goods protective to the health, social and economic crisis. critical and other personal products, agricultural and food equipment, including equipment, medical sufficient and correct import to able are countries affected ensuring trade in play rolecan facilitation critical the this highlighted has Nevertheless, pandemic red-tape. time-consuming and bottlenecks to trading in relation difficulties become worseningpre-existingpace, fast a at escalate can can chains severely disrupted supply and the damaging consequences disaster), natural when external shocks occur (in this case a biological that, demonstrated has pandemic COVID-19 The between coordination of stakeholders inrelief efforts. lack (iv) and country; and the set-up of operations in a disaster-impacted the timely entry of relief workers and relief agencies affect that and services of facilitation trade to relating economic obstacles (iii) consignments; relief of flow the and (ii) cost the both affect barriers; that barriers administrative non-tariff and a natural tariff to linked requirements following customs (i) disaster: efforts recovery and relief Four core challenges in trade facilitation impinge on build andrestore theirlivelihoodsandeconomies. to population working the and building school a to return to children enabling structures, permanent rebuilding and replacing repairing, on is focus the which recovery,during long-term to medium- into transition then Efforts country. a of adaptability access to resources andtheresilience and the severity of the disaster, initial vulnerability, on depending years even or months to weeks take people can phase and This possible. where work venues) to returning temporary in (potentially childrenreturningwith to school existence, normal the TFA. In this sense, as the countrypreparesthe itself as sense, this In TFA. the the institutional incorporate and normative WTO’s to have will Bahamas The WTO, the to Member acceding an As 1). (Box interesting point in case an provides Bahamas The strategies. climate and core the resiliencedevelopmental at change their of disaster and natural storms, placed have tropical several and hurricanes typhoons, their limited size, and these countries are often severely hit by configuration geographical their Given consequences. negative lasting their and disasters SIDS are particularly vulnerable to the risks of natural trade to flows andthus to valuechains. disruption less seen have facilitation frameworks trade urgently robust are with Countries that needed. goods in trade cross-border quicker help deliver can facilitation trade efficient and timely tool: important an becomes facilitation trade where is this and success, their determines often responses of timing the fact, In speed. and time to relating denominator, common important Moreover,an naturalhave disastersand COVID-19 activities disrupted by the disaster itself (Lindell, (Lindell, itself disaster the normal by of disrupted restoration activities the involves and urgency shifts from availability of critical goods as a matter of recovery same focus the disaster, where natural support a following efforts to The used be disaster. also can natural provisions a and following days the weeks in efforts support relief to emergency leveraged critical be can window, single the articles, TFA cooperationborder and management, risk including Specific 2018). timely (IFRC, essence, and the of critical is time when disaster, natural facilitate a after responses will regulatory facilitation that trade reforms pursue and to LDCs) for design particular opportunity in (and an countries provide developing therefore can TFA the of Implementation agencies. intervening other and customs between cooperation agency border efficient the 2020a) in addition to provisions to promote effective (WTO, goods support of clearance and release to movement, provisions contains the clearance ofdisasterrelief andrecovery goods, it encompass explicitly not does TFA the While preparedness andresponsiveness mechanisms to enhance disaster 3. Leveraging ontrade facilitation disaster natural response andrecovery. improved enable to framework regulatoryits in resilience embedding toview a with look into implementing trade facilitation mechanisms body,multilateraltradegovernance the to join can it acquis , including , including disaster. The TFA articles, which are dealt with in with dealt are which articles, TFA The disaster. natural a following efforts recovery and relief both significant support and complexity trade has reduce to potential TFA the implementing such, As and equipment, etc.). machinery materials, construction (with use to ready and cleared channels transport and rebuilt ensuring roads are cleared andrestored, bridges water, of restorationelectricity, telecommunications ports, wellas and as the include can This 2013). n srgld o itnus rle assac fo uslctd iaea dntos UD) n normal and (UBDs) donations commercial transactions. bilateral unsolicited from assistance hit, relief Dorian distinguish hurricane to after struggled arrived and that assistance of volume the with coping challenges country also experienced The 2019). Agency, Management Emergency Disaster (Caribbean finalised” being [were] “protocols that supplies hit, relief Management for had Dorian hurricane days after five Emergency stated, NEMA inGrand (NEMA). Agency National Bahamas The the destruction of efforts recovery compounded hindered which and Abaco flooding, and and Bahama rain heavy winds, strong generate did it Bahamas, The in land threaten not did storm the Although region. the through moved hurricane, a into strengthened later Humberto,which storm tropical Bahamas, The struck had Dorian after days 13 Only other islands.Others whoremained ontheaffected islands faced severe food and water shortages. moderatelycent refugesought people of thousands as displacement internal mass causing damaged, on per 27 and damaged severely or completely either cent per 60 with damaged, wereAbaco) and Bahama forAgency bothon (Grandbuildings islands the of cent per 87 that estimated Development International US Thehours. 68 estimated an for islands the battered hurricane The Bahamas. The of northwest the in Abaco,and GrandBahama beforeof located just islands hour the hittingper miles 185 of winds rate,with unprecedented an at intensified It 2019. September 1 on island Caribbean the struck Dorian Hurricane phase whenanother tropicalrecovery storm orhurricanestrikes. the in still often is it (WTO,2019b), region the in disasters natural of frequency increased the given recoveryratherthat, and but disaster of cycle a in is Bahamas The that not is SIDS,manyit with As Successive storm events inThe Bahamasover thepast 20 years (1999–2019) (1999–2019). years20 past the over stormsThe hurricanes successive countryhurricanes. and experienced and has and therefore vulnerable to the effects of both sea level rise and natural climatic events such as storms low-lying are which islands, 700 almost of chain a comprises state archipelagic The disasters. natural The Bahamas, situated in the Lucayan Archipelago in the West Indies, presents an example of recurring Box 1:Casestudy –TheBahamas Tropical Storm Bret Tropical Storm Nicole Tropical Storm Bonnie Hurricane Ike Hurricane Hanna Hurricane Noel Hurricane Wilma Hurricane Frances Hurricane Isabel Hurricane Floyd Name 2011 2010 2010 2008 2008 2007 2005 2004 2003 1999 Year Tropical Storm/Hurricane Humberto Hurricane Dorian Tropical Storm Gordon Hurricane Irma Hurricane Kate Hurricane Joaquin Hurricane Erika Hurricane Bertha Hurricane Sandy Hurricane Irene Name aua dsse rsos ad rvd some member countries. provide and measuresof examples Commonwealthby adopted response in disaster useful be natural can provisions selected these how illustrate will section next The disaster. natural a which are of vital in the import of all relief goods following 12), (Article cooperation customs enhance the for and 10.4) (Article window single a of establishment provide 8), (Article border cooperation promote agency 7), (Article goods of and clearance release the facilitate can below, detail more 2019 2019 2018 2017 2015 2015 2015 2014 2012 2011 Year

Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 3 Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 4 produced guidelines for achieving this for particular particular for this achieving for guidelines produced has (2018) Organization(WCO)CustomsWorld The clearance ofrelief andrecovery cargos. process, which can then be clearancesapplied so facilitate moreas to help prioritise can TFA the of 7 even Article become resources. already-limited strain and can burdensome which procedures, customs complex and lengthy streamline would vital in dealing with the aftermath of the event. This by prioritising the clearance of those goods that are achieved be can this trade, In resourcesefficiently. must countries occur,responsetheir prioritise toseek and public allocate disasters natural When 3.1 Swift clearance anddelivery of relief goods motdepre i avne fclttn the facilitating immediate release of goods on arrival if the advance, relevant in imported/exported of the necessary information on the products being submission involves This goods. the of arrival the on information and data sent and processed before to way facilitate clearance andrelease ofgoods byrelying a are procedures processing Pre-arrival 3.1.1 Pre-arrival processing such products. in trade facilitating time-saving, and useful be can of list goods readily prepared availablefor reference andguidance a Having quickly. implemented is it disasters, important that solutions for crisis management naturalare of context the expedite In goods). to and such on exemptions duty provide goods to (or clearance identify the of to context countries the in member list for easier it making pandemic, COVID-19 a such up drawing in instrumental been has instance, for WCO, The treatment. clearance priority from benefit can that nomenclature (HS) lists System Harmonised the under with prioritised, code respective be their and lines tariff consolidating to ought that goods countries assessandidentifyalistofessential helping in playto role a have also stakeholders and In thisregard, relevant internationalorganisations relief goods. critical process and prioritise to goods authorities allows the of arrival the to prior occur to process clearance this Enabling disaster. a of aftermath the in needs immediate addressing to critical are that goods for documentation supporting processing for guidance useful contain they and 2018, from is the arrival.” The most recent version of the guidelines to prior even or arrival upon immediately … “release to position a in be would customs processing, and products, which, through pre-arrival data submission rdcs. hs srnteig pre-arrival strengthening a is arrival on released be can goods so procedures Thus, products). goods, pharmaceutical agriculturalfoodand and equipment, and machinery and medical disaster a natural (including by affected countries of needs urgent more the address to supplies essential and contribute to facilitating theentryofcriticalgoods greatly can clearance, pre-arrival digitise fully as and electronically, automate could that solutions technological new all lodged of light in be viewed when provision, This appropriate. to supporting documents enable to and processing, of pre-arrival obligation the for covers allowing procedures maintaining or TFA establishing the of 7.1 Article the of safety the ensuring products imported. while and checks met is measures and controls necessary the compromising without facilitation trade in element “speed” the again, once Here, faster. market the can and enable critical goods goods, and essential supplies to processingreach in involved time the reduce significantly can This satisfied. are criteria maintain, to the extent possible, a risk management management risk a possible, extent the to maintain, or adopt to members requires TFA the of 7.4 Article 3.1.2 been affected byanatural disaster. cross-border of trade flows when infrastructure continuation and resources have the facilitate can pandemic. hits COVID-19 disaster when mechanisms medical these the Replicating and combat goods to emergency supplies for codes HS codes that largely align with WCO’s indicative list of HS the under lines tariff comprising provisionallist a enacted a immediate of (iii) lodging declaration and security. Antigua and Barbuda have to and subject collection declaration; pre-arrival (ii) goods; the of removal quick followedrunwayby quayside/ on inspection the with formalities, customs for of completion eligible pre-arrival (i) procedures: following are humanitarian consignments and for relief assistance Cameroon, ensured developed lines. has instance, these have along responses members Commonwealth some pandemic, COVID-19 the of context the In safety oftheproducts beingimportediscontrolled. the ensuring while the all further, streamline even procedures can that technologies new of context the in relevant more even becomes This disasters. toagencies respond to emergingcrises from natural border be and customs could preparing in that explored further mechanism facilitation trade key Risk management euaoy nomto rltn t ter trading their to relating information relevant regulatory to access have and rules applicable the to identify to traders, operators business access and stakeholders, policy-makers allows and This transparency information. the of is TFA importance the underpinning concept central A 3.1.3 goods needto beexpedited. relief of imports and hits disaster natural if delays facilitates their ability to trade andcould avoid digitalisation of some of the steps involved, greatly with risk-basedsystem,integratedclearance an to border, Transitioning the times. processing at longer generating inspected risk being to appropriate consignments subject were all an almost to system, management submitted not were Previously,risk. higher a by cargowhen inspections the warranted when only examination to items subjecting necessary consignments, of risk release implemented the expedite help can has that systems management instance, for risk Maldives, such The mechanisms. response disaster national their adopted improving to contribute have to systems management countries Several the clearance. in involved authorities the for resources saving and time of control, channels different identifying system, management risk the into “feed” and data of pre-arrival a information to sharing facilitate the processing establishing of effective electronic customs for requires the mechanism This through stage. regulations clearance and with rules compliance of ensuring efficiency while the the all controls, increasing to contribute can system management risk operational and solid A order to speed the clearing process (UNECE, 2012). in corruption and payments illegal facilitates urgently that are goods environment” enabling “an create can this needed, particular limited when In times. addition, and processing long to infrastructure leading personnel, damaged entails often situation the as critical, more even the become Where bottlenecks. country can has just suffered a natural disaster, this can and which delays process, generate physical still a is goods predominantly of inspection countries, most For control their resources (i.e.infrastructure, personnel). optimising by operations and rationalising the responduse of already-limited thus and consignments higher-risk target to countries allows systemfor customs control. This that mechanism a is Access to informationandtransparency ipiyn ifrain lw bten both between flows information simplifying be only facilitate international trade by speeding up and should can regulatoryThis (UN/CEFACT,2005). elements once” submitted data transit-related individual and requirements … if information is electronic, then import, all fulfill to export, point entry single a with that documents and standardizedinformation lodge facility “a as tradetransportin allowsand involved to parties defined 2018), (UNECE, window single a establish members Article that in 10.4, instance, for encourages, TFA The (and easily made such is electronically) available. information facilitating ensuring around for platforms defining instance, for rules through, access provides It around disciplines regulatoryrelevantaccessible. informationmaking several the Hence, encompasses regulations. TFA and rules on rapidly updates and changes constant entail which conditions, frequent market evolving of context the in important particularlybecomes Thisoperations. information readily and easily accessible, and enable enable and accessible, easily and readily information regulatory making of to contribute can Both provisions these points. inquiry establishes 1.3 Article while procedures, export and import on information publish Similarly, Article 1.1 of the TFA creates the obligation to in theimmediateaftermath ofanatural disaster. and speeding up availability portal; of critical relief goods unique a through complex) and be lengthy often can (which operation an rationalising platform; same entail the of means by fees and applicable pay can to ability the licences including windows features, additional Single for on authorisations. up submitted follow to and applications country affected the in operations trading conduct to needed steps the advance in know to parties interested allow will This format. user-friendly a in accessible easily make will information fragmented system frequently and complex consolidated this quickly, cleared and and imported be hit, to need goods disasters critical natural when particular, In information. of type this for visibility and access of ease enhances greatlyplatform single one on the having necessary and relevant information consolidated Thus, others. among permits, certificates and documents, require and technical highly with often are processes border and Customs compliance of rates applicable regulations (seeBox2). higher to lead can and institutions, government and traders

Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 5 Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 6 (UBDs), which typically surge after the occurrence a donations bilateral by in unsolicited compounded rise significant further is This containers. to leads tostruggles procedures process, releasesurgeand the clear of and processes and inefficient space storage limited buildings, to damage physical of a combination a following when disaster, aggravated natural are challenges the These in arrived that immediate imports disaster response phase” (WTO, in 2019b). relief surge sudden of the volumes for up set normal not in were times even countries systems “import disaster-hit that six indicates on research Recent “40 (WTO,once” least at 2014). data all of percent 70 – involves re-keying60 the of areand times) 30 least at repeated which of (30 which elements data 200 documents, transaction, an customs that states estimated 20-30 parties (UNCTAD)are involved in the average Development and clearance. The United Nations Conference on Trade border with challenges experience countries Many 3.2 Handlingof unsolicited bilateral donations a natural disaster). and context are rapidly circumstances evolving (such as in the aftermath of when goods in trade facilitating to contribute greatly can and regulations general and laws of the in pillar predictability transparencyand enhancing of objective key a constitute obligations operators to comply with requirements to trade. These the context of post-disaster relief and recovery, ensuring changes are reflected on its platform and platform its on reflectedare recovery, changes and reliefpost-disasterensuring of context the in toassist significantlypotential system.the Similarly,windowsystem has windowsingle single the theof greatvalue-added a also measuresis applicable toinformationTheabilityon consult updated almost daily basis, with changes occurring rapidly and at short notice (as is the case in times of crisis). medical equipment. During the pandemic, members have enacted new policies and regulations on an portal listing the emergency measures adopted with a view to facilitating trade COVID-19in dedicated pharmaceuticals a and Trade– a Portal Informationestablished Rwanda example, for COVID-19, of outbreak the Following 2015). Wulf, and (Nizeyimana simplified as and reducedre-engineered were been processes have trade international with connected costs indirect and direct both addition, In 2018). (Asycuda, 2014 in days 1.5 to 2012 in days 11 from reduced times clearance with Rwanda, intogoods importing with associated time greatlycostsand has reducedReSWThethe point. entry single a from documents and information standardised online, access to traders enabling (ReSW), Rwanda,landlockeda wasfirstLDC, the of one countries to Electronicthe implement WindowSingle Box 2:RwandaandtheElectronic SingleWindow their goodsare compliant. ensureto information accurate and timely exporters gives This disaster. natural the from resulting forrequirementsapplicable tochallengestogoods the tomanage necessary able help the be import procedures and predictability;of details and providing and transparency changes; regulatory any necessary of informed the stakeholders keeping ensuring in assist also can It others). among kits, (such as medical equipment, machinery, goods for reconstruction goods of regulated destroyedtightly in infrastructure, is testing trade the when operators,particularly and traders for available readily Bs Tee a b aatd o collaboration to adapted be can Operating These of UBDs. Standard challenges the address to develop (SOPs) Procedures can countries However,specifically. UBDs mention not does TFA The handled. are supplies humanitarian and food practical needed critically ensure and imports of surge the manage to best some how into insights practical some enacted offer guidelines The UBDs. from arising challenges the of some address to has how on recommendations Cluster, Logistics its through Programme, Food World The that willdecay unlessprocessed promptly. foodproductsof earthquakes, and deliveredafter accessories or clothing of items inappropriate of donations instance, for with, population, affected the of need the match not do often goods these addition, In incorrect 2020). Cluster, (Logistics and packaging items non-standard consignee, defined clearly a of by lack characterised paperwork, incomplete often are with and or notice, unannounced limited ports into arrive goods the These slowing items. needed urgently effort, more of clearance relief the hamper can that bottlenecks processing creating and and logistics additional countries affected of new resources of set a challenges, placing a burden generate on the already limited can intentioned, well anywayTheseitems,toin they can. while try help world the across nations as disaster natural a of oitcl evcs a b dsutd Physical disrupted. be destruction to trading infrastructure (such as ports, may of services supplies disasters, logistical natural of context the In and regulatory aspects that apply to traffic in transit. of transit and to facilitating the processes, formalities freedom enhancing to view a with coordination and cooperation stronger pursue to members on calls In additionto certaincore obligations, thearticle transit. in goods on restrictions additional or delays a discriminatory manner. This prohibits burdensome formalities, customsand documents controls that are not pursued in requires and transit in of goods for concept the totraffic facilitate to refersaims which transit”, of TFA “freedom the of 11 Article entry andexitpointsfor theirclearance). to goods of transport the enabling for responsible are (and goods in trade cross-border the of efficiency improving to contribute will and operate, to logistics and Transportservices are necessary for trade location. facilitation systems desired their transport and an logistics place activities, ensuring that goods and services reach in of being network there important on timely depends a in manner goods relief critical import to ability disaster,the natural a of occurrence the Following logistics andtransport sector. can trade facilitation implementation, specifically in the they their with policies intersection the at be will other that promote which assessing a also while as provisions, specific TFA implement the to use pathway then can Countries of and forms trading. illicit other or laws fraud by reduced not are with ensuring adherence of regulations andensuringrevenue collection levels objectives and the compliance of mindful being while goods, clearing in time and costs reduce to sensu understood is facilitation trade perspective, this In bring. can trade global that challenges new which facilitation,ensure their longevity and adaptation to respond to trade to approaches modern adopt go and therein set to provisions the than seek further national can their Countries systems. strengthening facilitation in a block as it building use can countries a that not meaning and floor ceiling”, “a as perceived be can TFA The 3.3 Trade andlogistics facilitation,transport as food products). faster enable clearance of the most urgently needed goods (such and UBDs of processing facilitate frameworks at the bilateral or even regional scale to as a series of measures and policies that aim that policies and measures of series a as lato uiu opruiy o nae n regional This in goal. common engage this achieve to to cooperation opportunity unique a In addition, transport and logistics facilitation offers and exportinto markets. in element important forinstance, import for “hubs” infrastructurekey an to connecting is transit countries, of freedom landlocked For flow. to continue to networks and corridors transport and transit across move to goods critical allow will which continues, transit of freedom ensuring and delays managing by response disaster the in help transportcan and goods delivery of the Facilitating reforms. facilitation trade lasting enable to crucial are they as parallel, in pursued be should logistical services and transit of provision the facilitating at aim that policies goods, in trade on focuses TFA the the While continue. to transactions trade response, enabling disaster the Facilitating in pillar key a as operations emerges logistical bottlenecks. and transit of continuation and delays transit oftrade ingoodsandcancauseadditional regular the affects regularly warehouses) roads, African Development Community (SADC) Tripartite(SADC) Community Development African Southern the is mechanism a such of example One would which then need to enjoy unhindered transport facilitation. goods, such expedite and prioritise to aim which policies, facilitation trade with tandem in goes This continue. to supplies relief and goods services freight and continue to operate will enable the delivery of critical logistics transport, having affected, been have infrastructure and roads When enable supply chain continuity and avoid bottlenecks. networks and create priority lanes for freight that will transport through particular channels within regional expedite and facilitate to corridors transport lane” “green or lanes priority implement can Countries 3.4 Designate priority orgreen lanes to planahead). on information wherearegoods the allow and customs authorities accurate and can real-time cargo provide of tracking electronic (e.g. response ofthese services, which can be extremely useful for disaster in delivery to efficiency ways maximum novels ensure and new exploring are logistics and transports in Technology start-ups solutions. becoming increasingly possible through technology intended destination – and these policy choices are ensuring and transit; goods are able to in transit freely and reach their goods accepted on controls the mutually streamlining or controls; and frameworks regulatory standards reciprocal to adhering and developing by achieved be could

Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 7 Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 8 humanitarian assistance needs to continue and the the and continue to needs assistance humanitarian be and naturaldisasters, and supplies wherecritical trade in pandemic by affected countries the of context the in transposed managing from learnt lessons provide can initiatives) similar other many (among example This flows continue. traderegional facilitation of trade in goods and ensuring inter-state to the transport and view transport to disruptions a regional and avoiding with pandemic, trade the during facilitate facilitation and simplify, automate to measures establish to aim The guidelines 2020). al., et (COMESA pandemic the COVID-19 during adopted Services Region” Tripartite and the across Goods Persons, of Movement the for Transport Facilitation “Trade and on Guidelines olwn te nta otra o CVD1. The COVID-19. of outbreak initial the following severalexpressedregionalmultilateralin as foraand seen renewed political endorsement of cooperation, The implementation of trade facilitation reforms has 4. Conclusion operate smoothly andfacilitate movement. goods relief of clearance and processing that ensure can safety and regulatory health public manage other that agencies with collaboratively and closely products the of work tocustoms of (WTO,clearedability The 2019a). quality and safety the and goods critical of clearance timely the ensure to is aim The regulations. and standards applicable with complying to/ adhering and controls and checks up/streamline speed to need the between “balance” a pursuing in relevantarecooperation mechanisms agency Border provoking process, whole longer delays andcreating harmfulbottlenecks. the halt potentially could they functions their complete to unable are agents intervening more or one If transferred,etc.). redundant and checkedto be documentation paper relianceon or extreme controls, of overlapping duplication as (such functions potential through situation the aggravating of risk cooperation, the run this agencies Without processes. clearance intervening when disaster, border agencies the need to naturalcooperate in order to in avoid a delaying coordinated essential of context is This establish systems. management to require provisions core members the of Many facilitation. other agenciesandauthoritiesinvolvedintrade with deal disciplines 37 its of half over Agreement”, Customs “the as described often is TFA the While 3.5 Promote border agency cooperation help maintainthis. can mechanisms cooperation regional necessary

o ciia/ia gos ad f h ue of use the of and technologies to automate goods, and digitise procedures critical/vital for clearance priority facilitation enable help trade can that of policies examples are above The the digitalsphere. to controls and verifications checks, shift documentary to possible when solutions with adapted possible, digitally feasibly is as much as streamlined are processes clearance border their ensure should such as the aftermath of a natural disaster, countries as possible” (WITA, 2020). In a new time-critical situation, adopt the trade “of essential support goods across borders to toas smoothly solutions digital and countries technologies encourages The practices. Group best promote to and tradefacilitation” for opportunities the of advantage full take trade of facilitation,ministersinstructing to ways“identify to importance the a recognising released statement Switzerland), and Zealand, Singapore New Norway, Mexico, Korea, of Republic Kenya, Japan, Union, European the Chile, Canada, Brazil, WTOgroupof OttawaGroup,a members(Australia, Some of the key examples developed include the include developed examples disasters. key the naturalof Some of context the to transposed a as be can facilitationwhich of continuity,ensuresome to means trade to attached importance context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular to on the in activities drawand operations business maintain can policy-makers that guidelines practicaldrafted has Bank World regard,the this In normal resuming activities andtransactions. in face businesses challenges the of medium some alleviate can sector private the and help that small mechanisms response when Planning enterprises). (particularly quantities, of operation businesses and day-to-day the affect volumes disruptions reduced in cross-borderin toengage able trade,albeit arestill the companies of above, some discussed provisions through selected be that, ensure can to frameworks adapted facilitation trade National ral disaster-resilient policies 4.1 Designbusinesscontinuity strategies andnatu cross-border of trade incriticalgoodsandsupplies. flow the maintain to policies facilitation trade into tapping of importance the renew endorsements political These disasters. and natural of context time the in relevant more become the optimise resources needed to clearthosegoods, andso greatly can These in reducing red tape and unnecessary formalities. - effectively cutoff from trade. be thus can disaster,which natural a of result developing a as landlocked of hindered be may ports to context access whose countries, the in partners, true regional into over particular is This challenges. one intofurther cascading spill in can impacts country and networks, regional entire resource- affect more will disastersFrequently, naturalLDCs). and those countries fordeveloping (SIDS, countries constrained true is this and particularly shipments, relief facilitate to having when Countriesoperationalfacechallenges similar and cooperation 4.2 Enhance regional andmultilateral collaboration and preparedness disaster riskreduction objectives. better with aligned policies change risks and ensure these projects encapsulate for climate account into available take should responses these financing the reforms, facilitation financial secure to resources to advancetheirnationaltrade seek countries as context, this infrastructureIn trade).forcritical on projects larger by accompanied be sometimes will reforms facilitation trade (since for projects facilitation arrangement trade financial the in embedded are they ensure and risks these encompass to needs investment and financial consideration into take policies such ensure can This a policies. facilitation of means by formulatingwhen “resilienceassist tradecan lens” response disaster natural the facilitation trade of reforms and investments. As we financing argue, embedding the in resilience disaster natural or climate embedding of form the response a from the trade facilitation community disasters, can also take natural of challenges the these countriesgrapplewithAs objective. its deliverson toimplement Agreement the ensure to necessary are projects investment Trade commitments. and C finance category TFA’s the in capacity- and crystallised reforms, facilitation trade assistance for building technical to access One central element in trade facilitation comprises trade responses whendisasterhits. manage to used be can toolsfacilitation trade how the context of COVID-19, these examples illustrate in prepared While 2020). Bank, (World provisions) central tenet underpinning several of the TFA’s key (a cooperation agency border strengthening and goods; critical of clearance prioritise to systems clearance processes; resorting to risk management up speed to formalities trade some of “relaxation” mrvn cutis rsos t ntrl disasters natural to response countries’ improving and cooperation collaboration regional ontrade facilitation cancontribute to institutionalising for facilitation mechanisms. Thus, creating mechanisms trade regional into resilience building in pursued be are examples of regional cooperation, which can also These circumstances. challenging and constraints time new to adjusted and adapted being processes keeping borders open, resulting at in customs clearance aimed SADC), (e.g. groupings regional different and by taken solutions pandemic, COVID-19 the During solutions facilitation frameworks thathaveworked for other members. trade contexts) to and regional or national to (adapting replicateto trying experience-sharing, to well particularly Trade Pacific). the and facilitation is an area of trade policy that lends itself Caribbean the as events, such these to exposed more are that regions for particular (in dimensions regional encompass explore to members for regional trade facilitation strategies that useful be can it reforms mean facilitation trade of nature the such, As and resilience are warranted. strategies facilitationembedding natural disaster preparedness trade regional and SIDS, of composed are largely Caribbean) the and concerned Pacific the regions as (such as particularly level, the regional at done be can what of example strong a also is It crisis. a of aftermath immediate the in their access facilitate and goods fast essential the of enable processing can increases This disruptions. further and that delays tape red bureaucratic or and compliance with regulatory requirements; ofgoods and avoid unnecessary clearance efficient and timely the ensure disasters: natural by hit countries discussing therole oftrade facilitation inassisting when challenges and concerns similar to responds guidance only, therationale provide underlying theirlaunch to are protocols the Though Nationals”. Humanitarian Repatriating and and Personnel, Technical Assistance, Medical Transporting and Aircraft for Ships “clearance on as well and as controls checks biosecurity and customs handling for protocols establishing and clearance, customs expedited up setting includes This crisis. of times and priorities in actions,response regional the strengthen of to objectives set a developed has initiative Pathway The pandemic. COVID-19 the to response Forum’s Island Pacific the of context the Humanitarian within agreed Pacific 2020), (PIFS, the initiative Pathway is this of example An on aregional level.

Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 9 Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 10 their trade facilitation reforms. into resilience build to are countries if explored be should reform facilitation trade to approaches and for landlocked countries, and thus regional strategies of uncoordinated particularly damage, further in result can responses multiplicity The efforts. support to relief possible as soon as country recipient the in arrive to need which of all workers,relief and materials construction equipment, medical food, include supplies relief key disasters, natural of case the In disasters. to respond to tool a as facilitation have pandemic COVID-19 brought globalattention to thecriticalrole oftrade the recently) (more and disasters natural change, climate conclusion, In facilitation: trade faster, safer trade. underpinning objectives the services in a timely manner while fully encapsulating recognises the needto obtain critical goods and can play in facilitationthe context of natural disasters, trade one that role the understanding that in approach helps holistic more a promote will This for whendisasterhits. relevant protocols and policies forward-looking of design by developed international organisations to contribute to the expertise greater technical and tools for existing on tapping disasters, calling natural are SIDS, interfaceunderstandingthe betweenof trade and particular in and countries, developed least and Developing customs andclearance processes. efficient implementing for opportunities capacity- building leverage to implementation TFA use their in ensurethey rapidhave response andmechanisms help resilience will This soft). and hard (both embedded infrastructure promote can trade their countries strategies, pursuing implementation facilitation in addition, In disasters. natural trade of impacts in the mitigate to find mechanisms can and tools useful of countries range a disciplines facilitation that argue We

IFRC (International Federation of the Red Cross and English.pdf. Accessed:03/11/2020. Transport_Facilitation_during_COVID-19-_ 9609/4461/Tripartite_Guidelines_for_Trade_and_ www.sadc.int/files/7015/ Pandemic”. COVID-19 during Region Tripartite the across Services and Goods Persons, of Movement the for Facilitation Community) Development (2020) “Tripartite Guidelines on Trade African and Transport (Southern SADC and Community) African (East EAC Africa), Southern and East for Market (Common COMESA March 2020. 24th Accessed Dorian_Sept_6_2019_FINAL2.pdf. https://www.cdema. org/CDEMA_Situation_Report_7_-_Hurricane_ at: Available 7. No. Report Management Emergency Agency (CDEMA). 2019. Hurricane Dorian Situation Disaster Caribbean Accessed 10/05/2020 https://asycuda.org/en/usercountries-rwanda/. at: Available Rwanda – Window Single 2018– Asycuda, References recommendations/rec33/rec33_trd352e.pdf http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/ Government”. and Trade between Information of (2005) Exchange Efficient the Enhance to Window; Single Business) Electronic “Recommendation and Guidelines on Establishing a and Trade for Facilitation Centre Nations (United UN/CEFACT https://www.forumsec. April. on org/2020/08/04/20774/ Pathway 9 Humanitarian COVID-19”. Pacific a Establish to (2020) Agree Ministers Foreign Secretariat) Forum Islands “Pacific Forum Islands (Pacific PIFS pdf logistics_cluster_ubd_guidelines_200207_-_en. reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ https:// Donations”. Bilateral on Unsolicited handling Guidelines “General (2020) Cluster Logistics World Customs Journal Rwanda 2015. L., electronic Wulf,single window supports trade facilitation. De and C. (eds) Nizeyimana, Bobrowsky P.T. Earth SciencesSeries. Dordrecht: Springer. in Encyclopaedia ofNatural Hazards Disaster”, after Reconstruction and “Recovery (2013) M.K. Lindell Response andDisasterRecovery”. Geneva:IFRC. Disaster Resilience, Disaster on Policies and Laws Red Crescent Movement) (2018) “The Role of Trade , 73. . Encyclopaedia of Encyclopaedia . summary_report.pdf devel_e/sympnaturaldisaster29112019_ https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/ Report. “4th (2019a) Natural Disasters and (WTO)Trade Symposium”. Summary Organization Trade World mc9_e/brief_tradfa_e.htm. Accessed:11/11/2020. https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/ at: Available 2013. Bali, Conference, Ministerial 9th border. the at tape” “red Cutting – Tradefacilitation World Trade Organisation (WTO) (2014) Briefing note: Pandemic.pdf Implemented-in-Response-to-the-COVID-19- Guidance-Note-Trade-Facilitation-Best-Practices- 824081587487261551/pdf/Trade-and-COVID-19- documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/ http:// Pandemic”. COVID-19 the to Response in Note: Trade Facilitation Best Practices Implemented Guidance Covid-19 and “Trade (2020) Bank World bank-analysis-finds and-cost-520bn-in-losses-every-year-new-world- disasters-force-26-million-people-into-poverty- en/news/press-release/2016/11/14/natural- https://www.worldbank.org/ November. 14 Release, Press Finds. Analysis Bank World New Year”. Every 26 Force Disasters Million People into Poverty and Cost $520bn “Naturalin Losses (2016b) Bank World Accessed 20/03/2020. extreme-weather-and-extreme-poverty. feature/2016/11/14/breaking-the-link-between- https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/ November. News,14 BetweenPoverty”. Extreme and WeatherExtreme Link the of “Breaking (2016a) Bank World Release Immediate (2018) the Consignments byCustoms”. Brussels: WCO. Organization) for Customs “Guidelines (World WCO group-focusing-action-on-covid-19/ research/june-2020-statement-of-the-ottawa- https://www.wita.org/atp- COVID-19”. on Action Focusing Group: Ottawa the of “Statement (2020) WITA(Washington TradeInternational Association) Window window-for-trade.htm. Single http://tfig.unece.org/contents/single- The Concept”. Guide: Implementation Facilitation Trade Nations “United (2018) UNECE management.htm. Accessed:19/05/2020. http://tfig.unece.org/contents/customs-risk- Guide - Customs Risk Management and Selectivity”. Implementation “TradeFacilitation (2012) Europe) forEconomicCommission Nations (United UNECE pdf the org/english/news_e/news20_e/rese_03apr20_e. in Goods Medical Tacklingof https://www.wto.ContextCOVID-19”. in “Trade (2020b) WTO wto.org/english/tratop_e/tradfa_e/tradfa_e.htm https://www. Facilitation”. “Trade (2020a) WTO sympnaturaldisaster29112019_e.pdf Trade english/tratop_e/devel_e/study1_ and https://www.wto.org/ Draft. Disasters, 1, Study Research”. “Natural (2019b) WTO

Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 11 Issue 169 | 2020 | Page 12 please [email protected] For furtherinformation orto contribute to the Series, Directorate oftheCommonwealth Secretariat Produced byTrade, Oceans andNatural Resources Series editor: Brendan Vickers Commonwealth Secretariat andinternationalexperts. analyses ontrade andrelated issues, prepared both by publication whichprovides concise andinformative Commonwealth Trade Hot Topics isapeer-reviewed ISSN: 2071-8527(print)ISSN: 2071-9914(online) Topics Trade Hot Issue 162: Issue 163: Issue 165: Issue 166: Issue 167: 168: Issue Topics Series Commonwealth Trade Hot Previous Ten Issuesofthe Issue 159: Issue 160: Issue 161:

small states sustainable, resilient recovery for 19-Related MedicalSupplies the Poor:LDCs andTrade inCOVID- Commonwealth Issue164: Commonwealth States? Did We GetHere andWhat’sNextfor the AfCFTA? Economic Resilience: WhatRole for A Time to Remain Vigilant Commonwealth Countries Goods: IssuesandChallengesfor Challenges for the Commonwealth Implementation: Opportunities and Resilience Commonwealth Trade, Recovery and Recovery Post-COVID Competitiveness and Leveraging DigitalConnectivity for COVID-19 andtourism: Chartinga COVID-19 andFoodSupplies inthe Dispute Settlement attheWTO: How Building Africa’sPost-COVID WTO FisheriesSubsidies Negotiations: Trade inCOVID-19-Related Medical Digitalising Trade Facilitation The Potential ImpactofCOVID-19 on Prioritising