WCO, WTO Coordinating on COVID-19 Response
The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization will be working “closely together to minimize disruption to cross-border trade in goods -- in particular those essential to combat COVID-19 -- while safeguarding public health,” the groups said in a…
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joint news release. “Within our respective mandates, we have already invited Members to increase transparency by sharing information on new trade and trade-related measures introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” they said. “To the extent appropriate, we are making such information publicly available through our respective websites. We are also willing to establish a coordinated approach in support of initiatives that facilitate cross-border trade in goods, in particular those key to combat COVID-19. This would allow that essential goods can quickly reach those most in need, including in least developed and land-locked countries.” Border measures meant to protect citizens should be temporary and rescinded “once they are no longer needed, especially if they restrict trade,” they said. “We welcome initiatives to facilitate and simplify cross-border procedures and urge our Members to prioritize those for exporting and importing essential goods.”