The Alliance and His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support countries in building trade facilitation capacity building and implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
The Alliance works with governments and businesses to simplify trade procedures in developing countries. Its projects make border processes faster, more transparent and easier to navigate, helping businesses trade more efficiently while supporting economic growth.
HMRC is the United Kingdom’s (UK) tax, payments and customs authority. HMRC works with partners around the world to strengthen border management, modernise customs procedures and facilitate legitimate trade.
This partnership builds on the longstanding relationship between the Alliance and UK stakeholders, dating back to when the UK government was part of establishing the Alliance in 2015. It will provide a framework for the two organisations to share knowledge and technical expertise, and conduct capacity building activities.
The collaboration will support the delivery of practical trade facilitation reforms across the Alliance’s portfolio, starting in countries such as Bangladesh, where customs modernisation and digitalisation initiatives are helping to improve cross-border trade.
Alliance Director, Philippe Isler, said:
“Partnerships with customs authorities like HMRC are critical to advancing practical trade facilitation reforms. This collaboration will bring together the Alliance and HMRC’s complementary expertise and experience, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange while supporting countries in strengthening border efficiency and addressing barriers to trade.”
HMRC Head of International Customs, Hermione Mackay, said:
“This partnership provides an opportunity to share HMRC’s customs expertise and support countries in improving their border processes. By working together, we can help deliver more efficient customs procedures that support businesses, governments and economic growth.”
