6 April 2020, the heads of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Customs Organization (WCO) issued a joint statement pledging to work together to facilitate trade in essential goods such as medical supplies, food, and energy.
WTO Director-General Mr Roberto Azevêdo and WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya said the two organisations would work closely together to minimise disruption to cross-border trade in goods — in particular those essential to combat the COVID-19 pandemic — while safeguarding public health.
They also pledged to establish a coordinated approach to support initiatives that facilitate cross-border trade so that essential goods can quickly reach those most in need, including in least developed and land-locked countries.
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