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Strengthening National and Regional Trade Facilitation Organizations Workshop

This workshop will focus on strengthening trade facilitation organizations to promote the simplification of trade procedures, trade facilitation, and the use of new technologies. It will address the reduction of costs for the private sector and improved dialogue between administrations and businesses.

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Strengthening National and Regional Trade Facilitation Organizations Workshop

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  1. O.D.A.S.C.E. UNCTAD/UNECE WORKSHOP Strengthening National and Regional Trade Facilitation Organizations Geneva 31 October – 1 November Country’s experience: FRANCE

  2. Type and structure of the organization • ODASCE is an Association under the French law of 1901 governing non-profit making bodies; it was set up in 1972 • It is directed by a Board elected by its members and managed by a permanent staff of three, based in Paris

  3. Mandate, purpose and objectives • The aim of ODASCE is to promote the simplification of trade procedures, trade facilitation and a maximum use of new technologies in both the public and private sectors – the global objective being the reduction of costs for the private sector and an improved dialogue between administrations and businesses

  4. Main activities of the organization • Activities in support of this broad aim include: • Organisation of conferences (biennial Colloque; Club Clé-Douane) • Provision of training courses to members and non-members (chiefly French companies operating in France) on relevant trade, customs and tax topics

  5. Main activities of the organization • Involvement of members in ODASCE committees, looking at 1) Trade Facilitation, 2) Training, 3) International Affairs, 4) the Bi-annual Colloque, 5) Customs Management and Benchmarking • Provision of trade-related information and support to members • Constitution of a channel for dialogue with French and European rule-making bodies

  6. How do you determine your priorities? • The ODASCE Board, with the association’s members, decide on topics for discussion, training and dialogue with the administrations concerned • Proposals emanating from French administrative bodies and the European Commission drive analyses, consultations and representative meetings with those we seek to influence

  7. How do you determine your priorities? • Members can suggest issues for treatment through the committee structure or directly with Board members • Cooperation with like-minded organisations in other countries enables ODASCE to join in broader trade facilitation initiatives and debates

  8. How is the organization financed? • ODASCE derives funds from members’ subscriptions, from charges for training courses delivered to members and non-members, and from conference receipts • ODASCE receives no subsidy or direct financial help from French government sources

  9. Main opportunities for facilitating trade in your country • Arguing with French administrative bodies (Customs, tax authorities, etc) for simpler procedures and the reduction of burdens on French business • Participation in the wider European Union debate about customs and trade reform • Pressing for multilateral solutions (eg via WTO, WCO and UNECE) to trade facilitation problems

  10. Main opportunities for facilitating trade in your country • In functional terms, issues arise in the following areas: • New French customs IT system (Delta) • Customs reform at EU level, particularly the Authorised Economic Operator scheme and its (promised) business benefits • French interpretation of EU customs and tax law • Distortion of competition (real or imagined) between French ports and those in neighbouring countries • A repressive approach to customs and tax controls in France, compared with best practice elsewhere

  11. Main obstacles to implementing trade facilitation in your country • The difficulty of achieving open and constructive dialogue with French administrations (was very tough, but is now improving) • Lack of understanding by control agencies of business needs, priorities and culture • Lack of understanding by business of legitimate needs of control agencies • “Fear of the gendarme”

  12. What are the main challenges in your work? • Staying solvent – funding is a constant worry • Staying credible, with administrations and members • Managing the massive flow of information and keeping on top of constant regulatory change • Remaining competitive in our training activities • Maintaining adequate (or even good) relations with French administrative departments • Finding time to get everything done

  13. Plans for the future • Further improvements in our financial base • Expanding membership and our training packages • Developing our conference activities and opportunities for dialogue • Using our international connections better • Improving communications with members

  14. O.D.A.S.C.E. THANK YOU! Contact for further information: Evelyne IRIGARAY, General Manager ODASCE 79 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière 75009 PARIS France Tel: +33 1 55 34 76 80 Email: odasce@wanadoo.fr www.odasce.asso.fr

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