Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific

The Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, a UN treaty deposited with the Secretary General of the United Nations in New York, aims at accelerating the implementation of digital trade facilitation measures for trade and development. Designed as an inclusive instrument accessible to countries at all levels of development, the objective of the treaty is to facilitate cross-border paperless trade (data exchange) among willing ESCAP member states by providing a dedicated intergovernmental framework to develop legal and technical solutions.

The treaty, with its exclusive focus on paperless trade, helps parties implement trade facilitation measures in an innovative way and rapidly transit into knowledge-based economy. In addition, it is complementary to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement as well as other (sub)regional efforts on paperless trade and electronic commerce, helping efficient implementation of those initiatives.

Developed over four years of step-by-step processes, including regional study, expert review, member consultation and negotiation, the final treaty text was adopted by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in May 2016.The certified true copy of the treaty is available here.

The treaty is open to all ESCAP member states for accession – or ratification for those who signed it earlier. For more details and current implementation status, please visit the UNESCAP Webiste