Case studies are one of the most effective ways to demonstrate good practice. Done correctly, a case study can be a huge asset and help transfer knowledge to achieve successful projects. Such cases show what has worked in a specific context and the challenges faced.

In this light, UNCTAD’s Compendium of Good Practices in Implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) has a specific aim: to help developing and least developed countries implement the TFA effectively by taking lessons from other developing and least developed countries that have successfully implemented specific measures of the TFA.

The UNCTAD Compendium involves an up-close, in-depth, detailed, and first-hand description of the good work of developing and least developed countries with a real-life context in implementing measures under the TFA. It shares experiences with other countries planning on implementing similar measures and builds on existing knowledge. Each case study represents an opportunity to spread knowledge amongst countries by looking at one case, in one place, at one time.

The Compendium revolves around a limited number of measures. This first volume includes measures such as: making information available through the Internet; pre-arrival processing; electronic payment; risk management; Single Window; SPS related measures; freedom of transit via border agency cooperation; and NTFCs. With the publication of additional volumes, the Compendium aims to eventually cover all measures under the TFA. Going forward, it is intended to have at least one country example for each measure, and additional examples will be added over time.

The Compendium case story template is structured as a series of questions, where countries provide details of the specific actions and steps taken to design, develop, and implement the measures. Lessons learned and key success factors are highlighted. The purpose of this structure is to ensure that all of the key points are covered and recorded in a systematic way, and to facilitate comparison of implementation approaches between measures (and eventually between implementing countries).

We believe that the first volume of the compendium will assist developing and least developed countries to effectively implement the TFA and invite you to follow us on our twitter account: @UNCTAD_TLB and to visit our website for more information: https://unctad.org/en/Pages/DTL/ TTL/Trade-Facilitation.aspx.