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ALBPRO NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION BODY. UNCTAD / UNECE Workshop “Strengthening National and Regional Trade Facilitation Organizations ”. Overview. Legal framework CoM Decree 636, 8.10.1998 Type and structure public-private organizations ;
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ALBPRO NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION BODY UNCTAD / UNECE Workshop “Strengthening National and Regional Trade Facilitation Organizations” November 2006
Overview • Legal framework • CoM Decree 636, 8.10.1998 • Type and structure • public-private organizations; • Chaired by: (i) Deputy Minister of Trade, later (ii) President of Union of CCI of Albania • Composed by governmental institution, with “mandatory participation” (ii) business community, (iii) other institutions November 2006
Current Structure November 2006
Mandate and objectives • ALBAPRO is a consultative body on trade facilitation issues • Objectives: • Propose to decision-makers tendencies and goals for trade facilitation; • Propose specific programs in trade facilitation area; • Examine and simplify trade procedures and methods; • Undertake professional studies on trade facilitation and propose measures for implementation; • Provide expertise to business community on international institution, rules and practices of trade facilitation; • Increase awareness in trade facilitation issues through publications, consultations and specific programs; • Provide training on trade and transport facilitation concept, programs, etc. November 2006
Institutional Support Hosting structure: • Government of Albania, 1998-2002 • Chambers, 2003 and on Positive and negative impact • High level of power; • Increased awareness by the GoA for the importance and the role of ALBAPRO; • Reliability and good image; • Dependence by high level chairmanship or “full control” by the GoA; • Dependence from political changes; November 2006
Successes-Failures-2003 Successes • Implement satisfactory TTFSE project; • Training almost 300 trade and transport operators trained, • Conducting a professional promotional campaign; • Supporting the process of TTFSE website development • Capable structure at regional & international environment; • Strengthen knowledge of business community; • Awareness and accountability; Failures • On generating other activities besides TTFSE; • On self-financing of the committee November 2006
Where we stand now • ALBAPRO is virtual structure, almost inexistent; • The agenda and objectives of PRO-s remain at stake; • Trade facilitation is gaining importance every day; • Government awareness remains the same; • Inexistent role of business community on trade facilitation issues; November 2006
What is key for success for Trade Facilitation Bodies • Political will / commitment ??? • Active business community participation ??? • Government involvement ??? • Institutional setup versussustainable mechanism ??? • Trade facilitation, a priority for business community ??? November 2006
Potential answers Political will / commitment • It is a “must” • Should be considered as prerequisite for success • Gain and maintain “momentum” November 2006
Potential answers-cont Active business community participation • Absolute necessity • Qualified and structured participation • Awareness and willingness • Need to prioritize; • See measurable results; November 2006
Potential answers-cont Government involvement • Necessary but insufficient; • Build reliability; • Ensure implementation; • Match business needs with appropriate timetable; November 2006
Potential answers-cont Institutional setup versussustainable mechanism • A balanced relation is desirable; • Government involvement to promote solutions; November 2006
Potential answers-cont Trade facilitation, a priority for business community • For Albania, maybe NO; BUT, for the GoA • It is considered very important • It is top priority agenda ; • Concrete arrangements undertaken November 2006
What can be done • Revitalize ALBAPRO; • Show positive results to reestablish reliability; • Identify stumbling blocks to this process and introduce recommendations; • Introduce a sustainable agenda for Trade Facilitation; • Match PRO-s agenda with Government agenda on trade facilitation issues; November 2006
Thank you for your attention Pranvera Kastrati Director for Trade PolicyMinistry of Economy, Trade and EnergyE-Mail: pkastrati@mete.gov.al November 2006