Our theory of change

Our theory of change is based on achieving measurable results in trade facilitation that can help to reduce poverty, ultimately improving the lives of people in developing and least developed countries. Trade that is simple, fast, and cost-effective can enable businesses of all sizes to grow by accessing global markets, generating more employment and investment that can drive inclusive economic growth.

Forging Strong Public Private Partnerships We bring governments and businesses together as equal partners in tackling trade barriers, using a wide range of platforms to help all sides better appreciate each other’s perspectives, identify the root causes of problems, and map out ways they could work together to resolve them. The Alliance’s role is to be a neutral convenor and catalyst in these discussions, keeping up the momentum of engagement and ensuring all sides understand and meet their obligations to each other as they move ahead. A central element is raising awareness of the importance of trade facilitation and the advantages to both sectors in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Delivering Impactful Projects Our projects translate the trust and confidence of public-private partnerships into concrete gains in the form of time and cost savings for both sectors. Most projects are created from the ground up by governments and businesses aiming for broad impact. Others are generated by businesses that have identified specific pinch points in their supply chains, while a third group scales up successful projects and applies them in other countries. The projects not only remove roadblocks to trade, they leave a legacy of close collaboration and new techniques that governments and businesses can apply well beyond the scope of their initial work on the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Measuring and Sharing Our Results We look to show the impact of our projects in cutting the time and costs associated with trade and share the lessons we learn to encourage others to take on the red tape that entangles trade in developing countries. By adopting international best practices, Alliance projects are designed to be more efficient and impactful, and it contributes to countries better harmonising their trade procedures and practices.