As global trade enters an era prioritizing efficiency and collaboration, Namibia is actively exploring solutions to ensure seamless operations across all trade processes. A significant step in this direction was the five-day Stakeholder Engagement Workshop held in Windhoek from August 28 to September 1, 2017, organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) with funding from the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF).
Key Milestone for Namibia's Trade Facilitation
The workshop marked a crucial advancement in Namibia's trade facilitation efforts. Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, CEO of the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF), emphasized the importance of the training program for the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) during her opening remarks. She expressed gratitude to South Korea and the WCO for their support, stating that effective stakeholder engagement is essential for implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and strengthening international trade.
Workshop Focus Areas
The intensive program covered several critical aspects of stakeholder engagement:
- Stakeholder Identification: Participants learned to analyze key groups' needs, expectations, and potential impacts on trade policies.
- Communication Strategies: The workshop provided techniques for clear messaging, conflict resolution, and building trust across diverse stakeholders.
- Consultation Mechanisms: Attendees developed skills to design effective consultation processes, from planning to feedback integration.
- Performance Evaluation: Methods were shared to assess engagement effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
The Foundation of Trade Facilitation
Effective stakeholder engagement serves as the cornerstone for implementing the TFA, offering multiple benefits:
- Enhances policy effectiveness through inclusive development
- Increases policy acceptance and compliance
- Fosters cross-sector collaboration
- Improves transparency in decision-making
Namibia's Trade Facilitation Progress
As a landlocked nation, Namibia has prioritized trade facilitation through several initiatives:
- Implementation of electronic customs declaration systems
- Strengthened regional cooperation
- Infrastructure investments to improve transport networks
Despite these advancements, challenges remain in streamlining customs procedures, enhancing border efficiency, and improving interagency coordination.
International Support and Future Outlook
The WCO continues to support Namibia through technical assistance and capacity building. Workshop participants committed to applying their new skills to advance Namibia's trade facilitation agenda, signaling continued progress in creating a more efficient trade environment.