Experts Call on the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) to Support the Establishment of an African Alliance for Electronic Trade
ECA Press Release No. 32/2008
Addis Ababa 18 November (ECA) - The African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) and the ICT and Science & Technology Division (ISTD) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) participated actively at the International Single Window Conference that was held in Dakar, Senegal, from 5-7 November 2008. The Conference was organized by GAINDE 2000 (Senegalese Customs Computer System that provides automated solutions for trade and transport efficiency) under the aegis of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Senegal. ATPC was one of the partners in the organization of the event. Other partners included the Senegalese Customs, World Bank, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), SITPRO (UK's trade facilitation body), Micosoft, WEBB FONTAINE, and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Participants at the conference included heads of Revenue Authorities and Finance Ministries; representatives of Ministries of Transport and Ministries of Commerce; Port Authorities; Single Window Operators; Businesses; International organizations and representatives of international business associations.
One of the major outcomes of the conference was the decision to establish an African Alliance for Electronic Trade. The Alliance, which is envisaged to be similar to the Pan-Asian Alliance for e-Commerce, will seek to boost cooperation and initiate common projects among member countries. More specifically, the Alliance will serve as a platform for exchange of Single Windows experiences in Africa and for sharing of resources and skills towards facilitating the implementation of Single Windows. It would also serve as a focal point for development partners and international institutions interested in promoting Single Windows in Africa.
African experts at the conference called on ATPC to support the establishment of the Alliance by assisting in preparing its terms of reference and operational framework.
Issued by the ECA Information and Communication Service P.O. Box 3001
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Tel: 251 11 5445098 Fax: +251-11-551 03 65 E-mail: ecainfo@uneca.org Web: www.uneca.org
