Trade efficiency can be improved by promoting the policy framework and the infrastructure required to improve the efficiency of export and import trade as well as the functioning of domestic markets, and by supporting efforts of developing countries in this respect.
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.
The Trade Efficiency Initiative was launched in 1992 by 171 countries represented at the UN Conference on Trade and Development in Cartagena. The main objective is to open international trade to new participants, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, by simplifying and harmonizing trade procedures worldwide and giving traders access to advanced communication technologies and information networks. The Initiative responds to an urgent need to increase the international awareness and effective application of information technologies to trade and to promote the use of techniques capable of of reducing procedural costs in international trade.