About NCTF

Vision

NCTF’s vision is to maximize trade facilitation to accelerate economic competitiveness and international trade growth.

Mission

NCTF’s mission is to ensure the full implementation of the WTO TFA provisions through a cost and time-improved economic and business environment.

Accordingly, the aspired strategic goals include:

NCTF and its Secretariat’s operational and functional effectiveness
Full compliance with the WTO TFA during the implementation process
Cooperation with OGAs, the private sectors, and development partners to accelerate the implementation of the WTO TFA provisions, and
The implementation of other trade facilitation policies and measures of the Royal Government, particularly in the transportation and logistics sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF)

The National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) has the responsibility to enable the implementation of the WTO TFA as follows:

Coordinate the drafting of necessary regulations and procedures on request by the ministries, institutions, and the private sector.
Provide a consultation mechanism to ensure a standardized and comprehensive implementation procedure through training, seminars, and consultative meetings.
Collaborate with international organizations and relevant development partners to raise funds and coordinate resources for the TFA implementation.
Create a website to share information on regulations and procedures for the public.
Propose the budget for the NCTF operation.
Prepare a report on the TFA implementation progress for the Economy and Finance Policy Committee.
Perform other duties as determined by the NCTF chairman.

Management structure (The secretariat's Roles and Responsibilities)

Coordinate the implementation and performance of NCTF’s technical working groups.
Manage general administrative tasks for the NCTF.
Prepare action plans and monitor and evaluate the implementation of the WTO TFA.
Prepare a comprehensive budget and ensure its inclusion in the annual budget of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Compile, manage, and publish legal and related documents.
Coordinate TFA-related workshops or seminars.
Arrange meetings and prepare progress reports on the WTO TFA implementation.
Act as a national contact point for the WTO NCTF.
Perform additional duties as assigned by NCTF’s Chairman.

Roles and responsibilities of OGAs

According to the World Customs Organization’s National Trade Facilitation Committee in March 2016, 98% of the WTO-TFA provisions are Customs-related. While 30% are exclusively attributed to customs, 70% also affect other institutions working with import and export, reinforcing the importance of collaboration within ministries.