CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Composition. NCTF is an inter-ministerial body on trade facilitation, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Committee held its inaugural session on 16 May 2017 and elected Ambassador Daniel BLOCKERT (Sweden) as its first chair. The current chair is Ambassador Adamu Mohammed ABDULHAMID (Nigeria).

Detailed explanation-3: -The formation of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) is part of the mandatory, institutional arrangement of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA).

Detailed explanation-4: -The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective co-operation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.

Detailed explanation-5: -Technical assistance for trade facilitation is provided by the WTO, WTO members and other intergovernmental organizations, including the World Bank, the World Customs Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).