“The Single Window environment is an essential tool to bring the EU Customs Union to the next level” – Godfried Smit, ESC Secretary General at UN meeting

The United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) successfully held its 42nd Forum as part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Sustainable and Digital Trade Facilitation. The forum took place from 8th to 10th July 2024.

This event saw the participation of more than 150 trade facilitation experts, both in-person and online, from around the globe. European Shippers’ Council was represented by its Secretary General, Mr Godfried Smit. ESC is a non-profit European organisation that represents cargo owners – manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers – collectively referred to as ‘shippers’.

The forum provided a platform for panellists to delve into the practicalities, experiences, and hurdles encountered during the implementation of Single Window initiatives worldwide. Speakers offered insights from successful case studies, showcasing strategies used to navigate and overcome implementation challenges on technology, policy, and effective stakeholder engagement.

Mr Smit presented the European shippers’ perspective on the development and implementation of the European Single Window initiative. He was part of a panel of speakers gathered to discuss regional Single Window initiatives. According to Mr Smit, “the Single Window environment is an essential tool to bring the EU Customs Union to the next level”.

The UN/CEFACT 42nd Forum has been a significant step towards achieving sustainable and digital trade facilitation. The insights and discussions from this forum will undoubtedly contribute to the future development and success of global trade facilitation initiatives.

For more information about the 42nd UN/CEFACT Forum, please visit the UN/CEFACT page.