Partnership with WTO

In August 2023, the UPU and the World Trade Organization (WTO) signed a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation in areas of common interest. Such areas include: the enhancement of Posts’ contribution to regional and global integration and development; trade, digital, financial and social inclusion; and ensuring a greener postal sector. In December 2023, Mr Masahiko Metoki, UPU Director General, met with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director General, in Geneva to discuss strengthening collaboration between these two UN specialized agencies, highlighting the importance of adapting international trade regulations to align with postal flows and leveraging postal services to support e-commerce development.

1. Data sharing and research: The UPU and the WTO are working together to improve data quality and coverage for cross-border e-commerce. This initiative seeks to address gaps in global trade data and inform better policymaking.

2. Observer status and engagement: The UPU has ad hoc observer status on the WTO Council for Trade in Services, where it provides updates on developments in trade in services, including postal and courier service classification. In 2024, the UPU joined the WTO informal working groups on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and on trade and gender, supporting global efforts to address challenges faced by the concerned sectors of the population in international trade.

3. TradePost Forum and Awards: The UPU held the second edition of the TradePost Forum during the WTO Public Forum in September 2024. The event showcased the role of postal services in promoting trade inclusion for MSMEs, women and underserved communities. Concurrently, the UPU held the second edition of the TradePost Awards, including the launch of new categories developed with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and the International Trade Centre to recognize impactful practices in trade facilitation and gender inclusion.

This partnership underscores the commitment of the UPU and the WTO to fostering inclusive trade and sustainable development through innovative collaboration and strategic initiatives.

• For more information on trade facilitation and UPU collaboration with the WTO, visit here.
• For more information on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Database and Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility, visit here.
• For more about UPU policy brief exploring the main topics covered in the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce, visit here.