The document discusses enabling cross-border data exchange through single window implementations. It notes that single windows should be interoperable not just within countries but across borders to realize seamless international supply chains. An interoperable single window needs to be coordinative, evolutionary, adaptive and enabling of cross-border paperless data exchange. It also describes ESCAP's regional arrangement on cross-border paperless trade facilitation, which establishes an intergovernmental platform and comprehensive action plan to practically implement connectivity and interoperability.

1. 1
International Single Window Conference & Exhibition, 4th Edition
Building the Future of Single Window for Trade
Facilitation
5-7 October 2015
Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Sangwon Lim
Trade and Investment Division
United Nations ESCAP

2. 2
Way Forward for Single Window
Implementation
Coordinative
Enabling
Cross-border
Data Exchange
Evolutionary
Single
Window
Environment
Adaptive
Not only phased in
implementation but
also able to evolve in
its services
Able to support
realizing seamless
international supply
chains
Coordinating at inter-
agency level as well as
with private sectors for
user buy-in
Capable of adapting its
functions and roles to
meet changing
business environments

3. 3
Financial Flow
Exporting Country Importing CountryGoods Flow
Seller Buyer
Information Flow
Ship
Pay
Buy
Enabling Cross-border Data Exchange

4. 4
Enabling Cross-border Data Exchange
(Cont’d)
Harmonized
Legal Framework

5. 5
Enabling Cross-border Data Exchange
(Cont’d)
Map image Source: Wikipedia
It is good to
provide traders a
single gateway
(window) to enter,
so that they do
not get astray.
However, let’s try
help them to
continue their
journey even
after they exit the
window.

6. 6
ESCAP Regional Arrangement on Cross-
border Paperless Trade Facilitation
Key
Features
Unique region-wide
intergovernmental
Platform
Strong Capacity
Building
Component
Comprehensive
Action plan for
practical implementation
Key general principles
for connectivity and
interoperability
Good combination of
binding and non-
binding provisions
 Development of a UN treaty
 Voluntary agreement: Becoming a party is an option
 Framework Agreement (FA): Focus on facilitation of cross-border
paperless trade, with provision of basis for subsequent legal and
technical protocols
See: http://communities.unescap.org/cross-border-paperless-trade-facilitation

7. 7
Enabling a Single Window for cross-border
paperless trade data exchange
 To realize a seamless international supply chain, Single
Windows should be interoperable, not only at national level,
but also across borders.
 An interoperable Single Window should be coordinative,
evolutionary, adaptive, accommodating, and enabling (cross-
border data exchange).
 Enabling a Single Window for cross-border paperless data
exchange will be, at current stage being a competitive edge,
will be a requirement in a near future.

8. 8
Thank you
www.unescap.org/our-work/trade-
investment/trade-facilitation
unnext.unescap.org
http://communities.unescap.org/cross-border-
paperless-trade-facilitation