According to the manager of the Integration and Trade Sector at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Antoni Estevadeordal, trade agreements themselves are not a guarantee of success."It is not enough to have a policy of openness. To take advantage of the treaties you must have production policies that are short and long term, in education, innovation, and especially in internal infrastructure, which are the ones that at the end of the day let you take advantage of the deals," he said.

"Political support is vital for a country to improve logistics and customs procedures. Customs offices require investments and resources in technology," says Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO)."There are many initiatives, but without efficient customs procedures you can not take advantage of the trade agreements sought by the region," he added.

Source: Prensa.com

More on this topic

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February 2016

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration has announced that this month it will deliver 55% of the funds required to implement the customs union between the two countries.

The funds pending for the implementation of the Customs Union between Guatemala and Honduras are being managed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) for a total of $1.5 million for delivery in February.

III Meeting of InterAmerican Single Foreign Trade Windows

May 2013

On 20 and 21 May, representatives from more than 20 countries in America will discuss in El Salvador the features of this tool and its influence on foreign trade.

From a press release issued by the Ministry of Economy in El Salvador:

El Salvador has been selected as the site to host the Third Meeting of Single Foreign Trade Windows, an event that is sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank and will be attended by representatives from 27 countries of Latin.

Authorized Economic Operator

April 2013

The function of the AEO is to contribute to the implementation of safety guidelines of the World Customs Organization in order to have a secure supply chain.

From Wikipedia:

"The AEO certificate, issued by customs authorities in the EU and many other countries using the same or a similar name, is a trusted certificate which Customs offices give to traders who meet certain requirements which demonstrate to the customs offices their reliability regarding customs processes, solvency and safety. It is granted to operators involved in the chain of international trade, whether natural or legal persons, provided that the professional activity of these operators is subject to customs regulations, such as importers, exporters, manufacturers, representatives at customs offices, bearers, carriers , terminal operators, shippers etc.

Adjustments to CAFTA-DR

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The Dominican Republic, Central America and the U.S. agreed to make adjustments in agriculture, sanitary standards, textiles and disputes.

During the meeting held in El Salvador, government representatives began the meeting by reviewing developments in trade and investment.