TradePost Forum

6 December 2023, the Geneva International Conference Center, Switzerland.

The UPU is organizing the first edition of the TradePost Forum on 6 December 2023 during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) eWeek. This unique global event will highlight Posts' vital role in trade inclusion, especially for underserved communities and disadvantaged populations. 

Highlights:

  • Gain insights into UPU programmes and partner initiatives supporting trade inclusion;
  • Engage with donors, regional organizations and international institutions during interactive Q&A sessions;
  • Participate in panel discussions and interactive sessions focusing on key trade inclusion aspects, including MSME needs, cross-border e-commerce, paperless trade, efficient transit, and emerging technologies;
  • Learn from successful regional trade inclusion initiatives and implementation cases;
  • Announce the winners of the UPU TradePost Awards2023 which celebrate postal successes.

The forum will feature relevant regional initiatives and implementation cases in each session, and it will demonstrate how the postal network, powered by digital technologies, can enhance inclusive economic growth and empower MSMEs and underrepresented segments of the population to participate in global trade.

Background

Trade facilitation is vital for international trade efficiency and economic development, attracting foreign investments and enhancing competitiveness and market integration. However, MSMEs encounter significant barriers in accessing global markets owing to high costs and thin profit margins.

The postal network plays a crucial role in promoting trade inclusion for MSMEs and underrepresented communities. By extending their network and embracing digitalization – including postal e-shops and international payment services – Posts can help MSMEs and women gain easier access to the global market.

Recognizing the importance of e-commerce and trade inclusion, the UPU has prioritized its activities in this area, under the TradePost vision. The UPU TradePost Programme works with member countries to facilitate access to international markets for MSMEs and women through the postal network. Success stories in Latin America (Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru), the Arab region (Morocco, Tunisia) and Africa (Zimbabwe) highlight the effectiveness of the Post in the trade inclusion of women and other underserved segments of the population.

Program

11.30–12.00

Welcome and opening remarks

  • Mr Masahiko Metoki, UPU Director General
  • Ms Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary General, UNCTAD
  • H.E. Mr Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, Côte d'Ivoire (Rep.)
12:00 - 13:00

Panel 1, co-organized by the UPU and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

“The postal network as an enabler for e-commerce and trade facilitation” 

The panel will examine the practical tools developed by international organizations – both gov­ernmental and private – to enhance the postal contribution to trade facilitation and e-commerce growth. These tools encompass information, systems, channels and aid, with a focus on innovative approaches to facilitating trade and e-commerce access. 

Moderator: Mr Siva Somasundram, Director of Policy, Regulation and Markets, UPU  

  • Enabling trade facilitation and e-commerce through the postal network

Amb. José Sánchez-Fung (Dominican Republic), Chair of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Trade and Development  

  • United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business standards on trade facilitation and digitalization in support of the postal industry

Ms Maria Teresa Pisani, Chief of the Trade Facilitation Section, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE 

  • The contribution of the postal sector in trade facilitation and e-commerce

Mr William Gain, Global Lead for Trade Facilitation, Customs Reform and Border Management, World Bank Group 

  • UPU tools for trade facilitation and paperless trade
Mr Paul Donohoe, Digital Policies and Trade Coordinator, UPU
15:00 - 16:00

Panel 2, co-organized by the UPU and eTrade for Women

“Enabling trade inclusion for MSMEs, women and underrepresented communities through the postal network” 

The panel will focus on enabling trade inclusion for MSMEs and underrepresented communities by addressing their specific challenges and leveraging the support of governments and international organizations. The aim is to share valuable insights on effective trade facilita­tion practices and strategies for including MSMEs and underrepresented groups, such as women, minorities and people with disabilities.

Moderator: Mr Philippe Isler, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation

  • WTO initiatives for the trade inclusion of MSMEs and gender equality

Amb. Matthew Wilson (Barbados), Chair of the informal working group on MSMEs, WTO 

  • A success story about women digital entrepreneurs

Ms Tadhim Uwizeye, Founder and CEO of Olado  

  • Correos Market: supporting MSMEs and women in rural areas

Ms Elena Fernández-Rodríguez, Director of International Relations and Sustainability, Correos, Spain

  • Trade inclusion of women and underrepresented communities through the postal network
Ms Susan Alexander, Sustainability Services Programme Manager, UPU
16:00 - 16:20TradePost Awards 2023 ceremony
Announcing the winners of this year’s awards
16:20 - 16:30Closing remarks
17:00 - 18:00

The postal sector: a key partner for sustainable and digital development

discussion around the State of the Postal Sector report

Registration

To register, please visit the following link 

https://unctad.org/eweek2023 

Participation is available only in-person. 

Contact

For any questions, please contact  the UPU the TradePost program at tradepost@upu.int