The International Single Window Conference and Exhibition, which took place 16-18 September, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, brought together 150 customs and government officials, the private sector and international organizations, including the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wildlife and Fauna (CITES), to take stock of progress on the establishment of Single Window environments in Africa, noting the progress made Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique and Nigeria, among many others.
20 September 2013: The International Single Window Conference and Exhibition, which took place from 16-18 September, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, brought together 150 customs and government officials, as well as representatives from the private sector and international organizations, including the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wildlife and Fauna (CITES), to take stock of progress on the establishment of Single Window environments in Africa, noting the progress made in Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique and Nigeria, among many others.
At the meeting, presenters focused on how the Single Windows environment can help trace and better control goods in trade, establish more secure legal systems and decrease illicit trade. The CITES Secretariat took the opportunity to present on the need to work with CITES authorities to facilitate the inclusion of CITES permits and certificates in national Single Window environments. CITES also met with the African Alliance for e-Commerce (AACE), discussing possible collaboration, and agreeing to provide lead agencies charged with developing single windows with information on CITES procedures.
The meeting also saw the release of the AACE publication titled ‘Guidelines for Single Window implementation in Africa,’ which provides information on establishment of Single Windows in Africa and other regions. [CITES Press Release] [Publication: Guidelines for Single Window Implementation in Africa] [Conference Website]