SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPROSimplifying International TradeSimplifying International Trade
Malcolm McKinnon Chief Executive
UNCTAD/UNECE Symposium for National PRO Organisations
Geneva, 31 October – 1 November 2006
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
• The UK’s trade facilitation agency – established in 1970
• Sponsored by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – UK Government
• Supported by British business & industrySupported by British business & industry• Board directorship drawn from across sectors in Board directorship drawn from across sectors in
the international trade and payment processthe international trade and payment process
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
We build the bridge between We build the bridge between Trade Development and Trade DeliveryTrade Development and Trade Delivery
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
• Our roots lie in DOCUMENTS
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
• Our roots lie in DOCUMENTS– “SITPRO forms”
• - documentation aligned to UN Layout Key– Licensed commercial production of forms – Promotion of document standards – We’ve been doing this since 1970
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
Aligned paper documentsAligned paper documents
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
• Our roots lie in DOCUMENTS– e-document standards
• logical extension from paper• UNeDocs / UNeDocsUK– standards-based “library” of
data to ensure effective paper and electronic data exchange
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
UNeDocsUKUNeDocsUK
– Master structure– Based on UNeDocs and
UN Trade Data Elements Directory
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
UNeDocsUKUNeDocsUK
•Trade documents:– Acknowledgement of order– Commission note– Credit / debit notes– Invoice – order – Packing list– Proforma invoice– Quotation
•Transport documents:– Certificate of shipping– Bills of lading– Consignment notes– Dangerous goods note – Export cargo shipping
instructions– Sea waybill– Standard shipping note
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
Documentation systemsDocumentation systems
– p Docsp Docs
– e Docse Docs
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
• But also TRADE PROCEDURES
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
• But also TRADE PROCEDURES– Expertise and advice:
• Helpdesk – Consultation and problem identification:
• Stakeholder groups’ own problems• Externally driven initiatives, eg Europe, WCO
– Form opinions and recommend solutions:• Single Window• Lobbying
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?
• And INFLUENCE
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO - how do we help?SITPRO - how do we help?
The Tip of the Iceberg
• Free Helpdesk• Procedural Guidance• Library of Briefings• Country Spotlights• Free Newsletter
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO Import BriefingsSITPRO Import Briefings
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO NewsSITPRO News
– Main quarterly publication– 7500 copies issued free
to UK and international traders and other contacts
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO - how do we help?SITPRO - how do we help?
Below the Waterline
• SITPRO Board• Advisory Groups• Input into trade policy
initiatives• Research and analysis of current
and proposed legislation and regulations
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO’s structureSITPRO’s structureBoardBoard
Communications StrategyCommunications Strategy Finance and ResourcesFinance and Resources
Advisory CouncilAdvisory Council
ADVISORY GROUPSADVISORY GROUPS
Trade Trade PolicyPolicy
Single Single WindowWindow
European European StrategyStrategy
SecuritySecurity
e-Businesse-Business
Ports and Ports and BordersBorders
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO’s Business PrioritiesSITPRO’s Business Priorities
WTOWTO
EuropeEurope
International International Standards Standards (UNeDocs)(UNeDocs)
Single WindowSingle Window
Trade and SecurityTrade and Security
Border Agency Border Agency Co-ordination Co-ordination
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
WTO and other trade facilitation WTO and other trade facilitation agreementsagreements
• Main Aim: WTO TF Agreement by end 2006• Headlines:
– Advice on text, supported by co-ordinated international lobbying and strategic planning
– Boksburg Group – support for developing countries – and launch of website
– Business Action for Africa – publication and promotion of private sector study on customs reform in Africa
– Research scope for TF in services sector
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO Policy GuidesSITPRO Policy Guides
– New WTO Guide– Planned new guides
covering:• Europe• UNeDocsUK• Single Window
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
EuropeEurope
• Main Aim: Support Commission’s customs modernisation Multi-Annual Strategic Plan
• Headlines: – New SITPRO Strategic Advisory Group on Europe to define UK trade
positions on EU MASP– Input into EUROPRO – Strengthen links with other European PRO organisations, Duquesne
Group and other European Trade Contact Groups– Refine policy positions on AEO and develop influencing strategy on
other key 2006 milestone issues
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
Trade and securityTrade and security
• Main Aim: Continue to advance trade facilitation principles in the development of border security measures
• Headlines:– Publish and promote Chatham House/SITPRO report– Use this to lobby Government and international organisations (eg
WCO) through work of Security Advisory Group; in particular, deepen contacts with Department of Transport
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
UK Single WindowUK Single Window
• Aim: Support implementation of Phase I in early 2007 in a form likely to be used by traders
• Headlines:– Work with project leaders Business.Gov to implement SITPRO vision
of single window– Provide technical and industry support to project team through
Single Window Advisory Group– Work with project team to publicise UK Single Window– Progress UN Recommendation 33 on Single Windows and help to
expand UN repository of Single Window case studies
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
UNeDocs - UNeDocsUKUNeDocs - UNeDocsUK
• Aim: Develop UNeDocsUK to point where it can be promoted as available for business
• Headlines:– Continued support for UNeDocs standards development– Work with countries such as Senegal, Australia, Malaysia and
Pakistan to help them implement UNeDocs– Development of UNeDocsUK national standards including electronic
versions of dangerous goods and standard shipping notes– Promote UNeDocsUK demonstrating benefits to UK traders,
including publication of Guide to UNeDocsUK
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
UN / CEFACTUN / CEFACT
• Aim: Maintain SITPRO leadership within UN/CEFACT in support of UN standards for paper and electronic trade documents
• Headlines:– Seek to adopt UNeDocs as international standard for e-documents– Promote new Recommendations relating to development of national
single windows– Cultivate concept of international alliance of national PRO
organisations
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
Ports and bordersPorts and borders
• Aim: Maintain Ports and Borders Group as national UK champion of reform of port and other border procedures
• Headlines:– Complete work on container seals initiative– Review trader consultation groups with a view to making them more
effective through streamlining – Consider holding high-level Group attended by Ministers
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
LicenseesLicensees
• Aim: Implement new licensee agreement• Headlines:
– Implement new licensee agreement on 1 July 2006– Review effectiveness of licensee system based on take-up of new
licensee agreement– Release design model for e-Documents to licensees at realistic fee
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
CommunicationsCommunications
• Aim: Develop new communications strategy leading to higher UK profile
• Headlines:– Develop media strategy including forward annual programme of
announceables by SITPRO and its Advisory Groups– Develop national awareness programme for SITPRO brand and
activities, including programme of regional events – get out and about and be visible
– Political and media lobbying
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO’s StaffSITPRO’s StaffChief Executive
Accountant
Director, PolicyDirector,
International Trade
Senior Policy Manager
PA to Chief Exec
Research Analyst
Deputy Director, Europe
Deputy Director, e-Business
Head of Communications
Helpdesk Manager
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPRO’s FundingSITPRO’s Funding
SOURCE 2006/07 (£)
•DTI Grant-in-Aid 900,000
•Licensee income 20,000
•Other income 80,000
TOTAL 1,000,000
SITPROSimplifying International Trade
SITPROSimplifying International TradeSimplifying International Trade
Tel: +44 20 7215 8150
www.sitpro.org.uk