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Today, vessels convey more than 80 percent of all trade. For many countries, access to sea transport is required for participation in international trade. The Swedish National Board of Trade has, on behalf of the Swedish Maritime Administration, written a report showing that developing countries can gain much by simplifying and improving its trade procedures related to shipping.
The report presents the benefits that may be achieved when countries simplify their trade procedures (trade facilitation). The potential for increased trade is particularly high in developing countries. Increased trade contribute to growth and poverty reduction and may thus be an important part in order to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals. To achieve this, trade is to be prioritized in national development strategies, and there must be coherence and cooperation among the international donors. Many developing countries are currently unable to exploit the trade opportunities that exist. Complicated and time-consuming procedures at border crossings and ports, bureaucratic regulations, corruption and high transport costs, particularly for landlocked countries, are examples of barriers to trade.
The Swedish National Board of Trade has written the report commissioned by the Swedish Maritime Administration. The project was financed by Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency). The Swedish Maritime Administration is represented in the Marine Council, which is a horizontal cooperation forum in the marine sector. The Council's task is – among others - to support international development cooperation and promote common understanding, coherence and cooperation in the implementation of the Policy for Global Development (PGD).
Questions? Please contact Sofia Persson, National Board of Trade, tel: +46-8-690 48 32, e-mail:  .
The study is available for download here (PDF, in English)
External links:
Swedish Maritime Administration
UN Millennium Development Goals
Sweden’s Policy for Global Development
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