Trade Facilitation Support Program (TFSP)

The Program

The Trade Facilitation Support Program (TFSP) was launched in June 2014 to support countries seeking assistance to improve their cross-border trade environments and better align their trade practices with the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA).

TFSP’s funding helps countries—particularly developing countries—achieve full and effective implementation of the WTO TFA measures and related trade facilitation reforms. TFSP funding helps client countries:

• Identify existing constraints and bottlenecks to cross-border trade
• Design and plan for implementation of practical reform strategies
• Increase the predictability, transparency, and harmonization of systems and procedures in line with international standards covering import, export, and transit activities

Key areas of assistance

• Supporting the ratification of the WTO TFA and meeting the related notification requirements
• Undertaking WTO TFA Gap Assessments and implementation of reform action plans
• Supporting the establishment and strengthening of National Trade Facilitation Committees
• Assisting with the design of risk-based approaches for border clearance
• Preparing for Trade Information Portal and/or Single Window implementation
• Leveraging global and regional partnerships and knowledge sharing to ensure optimal delivery of support

Progress

The TFSP currently supports 58 countries across all regions, most of which are least developed countries. The largest share of countries receiving support are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Support is also provided to fragile and conflict-affected countries. 

The World Bank Group has helped countries significantly improve their alignment with the WTO TFA. The TFA Tracking Tool helps countries to monitor and report on progress.