ALBPRO NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION BODY UNCTAD UNECE Workshop
ALBPRO NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION BODY UNCTAD / UNECE Workshop “Strengthening National and Regional Trade Facilitation Organizations” Organizations November 2006 1
Overview 1. Legal framework • Co. M Decree 636, 8. 10. 1998 2. Type and structure • public-private organizations; • Chaired by: (i) Deputy Minister of Trade, later (ii) President of Union of CCI of Albania • Composed by governmental institution, with “mandatory participation” (ii) business community, (iii) other institutions November 2006 2
Current Structure November 2006 3
Mandate and objectives ALBAPRO is a consultative body on trade facilitation issues Objectives: 1. Propose to decision-makers tendencies and goals for trade facilitation; 2. Propose specific programs in trade facilitation area; 3. Examine and simplify trade procedures and methods; 4. Undertake professional studies on trade facilitation and propose measures for implementation; 5. Provide expertise to business community on international institution, rules and practices of trade facilitation; 6. Increase awareness in trade facilitation issues through publications, consultations and specific programs; 7. Provide training on trade and transport facilitation concept, programs, etc. November 2006 4
Institutional Support Hosting structure: § § Government of Albania, 1998 -2002 Chambers, 2003 and on Positive and negative impact § § § High level of power; Increased awareness by the Go. A for the importance and the role of ALBAPRO; Reliability and good image; Dependence by high level chairmanship or “full control” by the Go. A; Dependence from political changes; November 2006 5
Successes-Failures-2003 Successes § Implement satisfactory TTFSE project; – Training almost 300 trade and transport operators trained, – Conducting a professional promotional campaign; – Supporting the process of TTFSE website development § Capable structure at regional & international environment; § Strengthen knowledge of business community; § Awareness and accountability; Failures § On generating other activities besides TTFSE; § On self-financing of the committee November 2006 6
Where we stand now § ALBAPRO is virtual structure, almost inexistent; § The agenda and objectives of PRO-s remain at stake; § Trade facilitation is gaining importance every day; § Government awareness remains the same; § Inexistent role of business community on trade facilitation issues; November 2006 7
What is key for success for Trade Facilitation Bodies 1. Political will / commitment ? ? ? 2. Active business community participation ? ? ? 3. Government involvement ? ? ? 4. Institutional setup versus sustainable mechanism ? ? ? 5. Trade facilitation, a priority for business community ? ? ? November 2006 8
Potential answers Political will / commitment 1. It is a “must” 2. Should be considered as prerequisite for success 3. Gain and maintain “momentum” November 2006 9
Potential answers-cont Active business community participation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Absolute necessity Qualified and structured participation Awareness and willingness Need to prioritize; See measurable results; November 2006 10
Potential answers-cont Government involvement 1. 2. 3. 4. Necessary but insufficient; Build reliability; Ensure implementation; Match business needs with appropriate timetable; November 2006 11
Potential answers-cont Institutional setup versus sustainable mechanism 1. A balanced relation is desirable; 2. Government involvement to promote solutions; November 2006 12
Potential answers-cont Trade facilitation, a priority for business community § For Albania, maybe NO; BUT, for the Go. A § § § It is considered very important It is top priority agenda ; Concrete arrangements undertaken November 2006 13
What can be done § § § Revitalize ALBAPRO; Show positive results to reestablish reliability; Identify stumbling blocks to this process and introduce recommendations; § Introduce a sustainable agenda for Trade Facilitation; § Match PRO-s agenda with Government agenda on trade facilitation issues; November 2006 14
Thank you for your attention Pranvera Kastrati Director for Trade Policy Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy E-Mail: pkastrati@mete. gov. al November 2006 15
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