Trade and commerce organisations applauded in March when the business-and job-boosting Trade Facilitation Agreement came into effect. But the government was silent. The pact, brokered by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development, promises to streamline global customs clearance procedures, cut trade costs nearly 15% for low-income countries and create about 20-million jobs — the vast majority of them in developing countries. "It could be a highly valuable development for us," says International Chamber of Commerce SA director Pat Corbin. "It is expected to contribute $1-trillion to world trade, with Africa benefiting most handsomely." The agreement lists enforceable government commitments aimed at reducing red tape at borders, speeding up movement of goods internationally, reducing costs, increasing exports and creating employment. SA ignored the invitation to ratify the agreement, despite claiming for years that the government was dedicated to...
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