Sweden commits funding to Africa trade facilitation training

Sweden commits funding to Africa trade facilitation training The government of Sweden has launched new trade facilitation training facility in Arusha, Tanzania, according to a press statement by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The Swedish government, through its development agency Sida, will provide an initial grant of approximately US$1.6 billion per year for 2014-2015, notes the WTO. The WTO, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Bank and the International Trade Centre (ITC) will participate in the development and implementation of the training facility and its forthcoming training programmes. It will provide training for participants from Africa, with a special focus on least-developed countries (LDCs). The training activities will support participating countries in implementing a future WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement which aims to reduce bottlenecks and improve procedures for the flow of goods across borders. It will also provide a platform for African government officials and customs officers to exchange experiences.