Africa-Press – Angola. The Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal, to give new impetus to the cooperation initiated between the two international organizations in 2000.
The document was initialed by the Executive Secretary of the CPLP, Maria de Fátima Jardim, and by the head of the ASYCUDA Program (UNCTAD’s Automated Customs Data System), Renaud Massenet.
The parties recognize the importance of cooperating in strengthening capacities focused on the digitalization of international trade for applicant Member States; and in coordinating technical assistance regarding the reform, modernization, and automation of customs and trade procedures.
The sharing of knowledge and experiences on the topic of trade and areas related to inclusive economic diversification and structural transformation for sustainable development is also among the objectives of the partnership.
On the occasion, Fátima Jardim highlighted the initiatives already carried out in customs matters in partnership with UNCTAD and underlined the importance of this Memorandum of Understanding, as it aims for more dynamic and efficient trade, increasingly empowered institutions, and more competitive and diversified economies in the Portuguese-speaking community.
The head of the UNCTAD ASYCUDA Programme stated that this partnership embodies the shared commitment to strengthening economic governance, modernizing trade institutions, and promoting sustainable development within the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries).
UNCTAD, headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland), was created in 1964 to integrate developing countries into the world economy and contribute to the eradication of poverty.
Together with other UN departments and agencies, it measures progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in the 2030 Agenda.
