08/12/2016 (Agence Europe) – At the end of November, Dominica and Mongolia presented their instruments for ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Gabon and the Republic of Kirghizstan did likewise on 5 and 6 December. This brings the number of member countries that have ratified this agreement concluded during the ninth WTO ministerial conference in December 2013, to 102. The TFA contains a raft of rules for simplifying and streamlining customs procedures, as well as increasing the participation of developing countries in world trade. Only eight additional ratifications by WTO member countries are now needed to ensure the entry into force of this agreement, which could increase global exports of merchandise by US$1 trillion. (EH)