During an exchange session between members of that body and business representatives from the least developed nations, delays and bureaucracies for carrying out commercial procedures were identified as the main obstacles to be eliminated.

Participants commented that it takes an average of 30-40 days and nine different document requirements to clear imports and exports in least developed countries.

Other challenges have to do with the high costs of freight, production and compliance with export requirements, they added.

Therefore, it is important to put in place trade facilitation measures, digitization of import and export transactions, and greater transparency of trade laws and regulations.

In this sense, they insisted on the need to provide training to importers and exporters to raise awareness about customs processes, so that less developed nations can make better use of preferential access schemes to existing markets.

On the other hand, the business representatives of the analyzed countries pointed out that their competitiveness could be strengthened by actively participating in the multilateral trade system and deepening regional integration.

During the session, activities carried out by the Fund for the Application of Standards and the Promotion of Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework to address these challenges were recognized.

In addition, the trade regime with developing countries adopted by the United Kingdom was highlighted, whose entry into force is scheduled for the coming months of this year.

ef/rgh/att