The UAE has become the first Arab state to deposit its instrument of acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The ratified agreement was submitted to WTO on 18 March by Obaid Salem Saeed al-Za’abi, UAE permanent representative to the United Nations.

The acceptance of the TFA by two-thirds of the member states is now the final hurdle before the TFA comes into force.

It is hoped that other countries in the Arab region will follow suit, according to a statement cited by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs departments and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.