Suva, Fiji: The World Bank Fiji focus report on Trade Facilitation Challenges for Women Traders and Freight Forwarders has now been published. The report brings to light a wealth of new data, including a summary of key findings. The report also provides recommendations to address the specific obstacles identified and improve women cross-border trade.
The Survey Interviews
As a female-owned enterprise and growing organic agricultural value-chain operator with sustainable packaging imports & online retail export activities, Loving Islands was 1 of the 550 cross-border traders and freight forwarders interviewed in Fiji over May to June 2019.
These interviews provided the baseline for over 35 key findings across the areas of general trader and freight forwarder operations, trade facilitation, with specific questions on bribery and safety.
What happens next?
The World Bank Group is now in dialogue with the Government of Fiji on how to best to address the report’s key findings and recommendations. The World Bank Group will also be replicating these surveys and interviews across other Pacific Island countries to provide a baseline for regional improvement of women-led trade facilitation operations.
Key Recommendations Based On Findings
- Improve access to and the quality of information on border related processes and procedures.
- Strengthen the role of the National Trade Facilitation Committee.
- Strengthen formal grievance procedures.
- Expand the Authorized Economic Operator scheme, including to women traders.
- Promote pre-declaration practices.
- Explore reasons for detention and seizure of goods.
- Strengthen the system for electronic payments.
- Review opening hours of ports/border agencies.
All images courtesy of World Bank Group / Jason Chute