In 2013, the Government of Jamaica was amongst 160 countries from around the world who agreed to accept the “Bali Pakage/Agreement”.  The centrepiece of the package is, without doubt, a new agreement on trade facilitation aimed at reducing red tape, and facilitating customs procedures in an effort to cut down the cost of doing business. The Agreement will “clarify and improve relevant aspects of Articles V, VIII and X of the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)” in order to:

• Expedite movement, release and clearance of goods
• Improve cooperation between customs agents and other authorities
• Enhance technical assistance and capacity building for developing countries, especially  Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

In support of an improved trade facilitation regime, a national Trade Facilitation Task Force (TF2) was established to oversee implementation of the Agreement. The Trade Board Limited is the lead implementing agency in the Ministry.

To date, there has been a review of the business processes at the main ports of entry and exit; progress towards the development of a Single Trade Electronic Window interface of customs, port and other trade stakeholder agencies.

In June 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and other representatives of eight Ministries to facilitate coordination of efforts, signaling a strong commitment to effective, transparent, consistent and predictable procedures at Jamaica’s borders, aimed at reducing transaction costs and improving the national trading environment.