Future+developments

//The Single Window (SW) initiatives that have been developed over decades differ from each other. Looking ahead, there could be a real risk of further divergence between such systems. A high level of collaboration and coordination about the different models in place is needed to counteract this development. This is particularly important as we move from National Single Windows to Single Window networks at regional and even global levels.// ** Connecting national SWs at the international level ** Regional SW networks that will connect National SW systems are starting to be developed. One example is the ASEAN SW that will inter-connect ten ASEAN Member States through a regional secured network architecture. Other regional initiatives are the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, and the e-Maritime initiative in the European Union where every Member State should have a Single Window in place for maritime vessels reporting by June 2014. Moving towards regional networks of SWs, technical inter-operability, common legal frameworks and data harmonization will be essential to achieve optimal information exchange in cross-border trade. SW interconnectivity is especially important for landlocked and transit countries as it provides new opportunities for access to markets. SW project managers and operators should, therefore, collaborate at a regional level to analyse cross-border supply-chain issues and ensure technical inter-operability in the development of SWs. ** The vision of a Data Pipeline in international supply chains ** An innovative emerging idea is the concept of a data pipeline that could significantly improve information exchange across international supply chains. It emphasizes the benefits of moving controls away from the border, thus reducing dwell times and enabling authorities to obtain relevant information for risk profiling before goods arrive at the border. A key promise of the data pipeline is to enhance the quality and accuracy of data by enabling government agencies to “pull” the information from the source, i.e. directly from the business systems. The unifying theme of both the SW and data pipeline concepts is that international trade is managed on the basis of data. Both for SW and data pipeline development, the adherence to international standards is important to ensure commonality. Advances on the technology side, such as the development of cloud computing**,** need to be accompanied by the development of a supporting legal infrastructure. ** Monitoring and support at the international level ** International organizations have accompanied and facilitated international trade through guidance on key aspects of SW development. The UNECE with it Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) and other organizations, such as the WCO, have developed recommendations, standards and tools for SW planning and implementation. UNCITRAL and UN/CEFACT have done work on the legal framework needed for SWs in international trade. ** Capacity-building ** To promote the vision of widespread adherence to international standards and inter-operable systems, there is clearly a need to build capacity. International organizations are already actively doing so. The United Nations Network for Experts on Paperless Trade (UNNexT), which is jointly supported by UNECE and UNESCAP, has a capacity-building initiative on Single Window Project Planning and Implementation. __ UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA __ programme provides technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of countries. The [|CITES e-permitting toolkit] is another useful tool developed in line with international standards. In the future, efforts should be made to enhance collaboration between different international bodies for joint capacity-building programmes to provide effective support for those wishing to implement SW systems in line with international standards. **References:** These developments were extensively discussed at the UN Regional Commissions Global Trade Facilitation Conference of 2011and are presented in the conference proceedings.