El Salvador has been officially included in the II Global Trade Facilitation Program, a joint initiative led by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). This inclusion highlights the country’s commitment to modernizing its customs processes and enhancing international trade.
The program, which aims to promote and facilitate global trade in participating countries, focuses on improving customs administrations through the implementation of international standards and best practices for the import, export, and transit of goods. It also supports sustainable and transparent improvements in trade facilitation, organizational development, and performance measurement.
El Salvador’s participation in this program builds on several key milestones. The country ratified the Revised Kyoto Convention in September 2023, joined the Mercator Program for WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement implementation in August 2023, and launched a Customs Performance Measurement Platform in June 2023.
Benjamin Mayorga, Director General of Customs, emphasized that El Salvador’s inclusion in this phase of the program is a recognition of the country’s dedication to modernizing its customs systems and boosting international trade. “This project represents a unique opportunity to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, benefiting our country,” Mayorga stated.
Mayorga also expressed gratitude to SECO, WCO, and the Swiss Ministry of Economy for their trust in El Salvador. He noted that their technical support will be essential in improving customs operations, fostering economic development, and ensuring sustainable trade practices that align with international standards.