Response from Participants

Most countries represented in the Boksburg Group have very strongly supported the process and emphasised the value of it in formulating their negotiating positions on trade facilitation. The benefit of the informal networking established through the group has been exceptionally powerful in building understanding and alliances. The mix of backgrounds and experience in the group gives the participants a broader perspective of international trade, including that of business. This is a unique and very positive feature of the Boksburg Group. It enables participants to see what an agreement should achieve from a broad range of perspectives which helps to develop common understanding and agreement.

Comments from Participants

• A number of countries have said that they have made proposals based on the Boksburg Groups work.
• Several members have said that the Boksburg Groups deliberations have helped them formulate their policy related to trade facilitation.
• The developing countries have benefited tremendously in gaining an understanding of their leverage in the negotiations. More importantly they have been able to voice their concerns and make contributions outside the formal structures and red tape of the WTO.
• The Boksburg Group has been raised to the status of an independent international forum which governments respect and learn from.
• Comment has been made that the Boksburg Groups work helped trade facilitation surface as the single new issue from the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Cancun and in the success of the following Geneva WTO Ministerial Meeting.
• Participants at the regional meetings were in the main very enthusiastic about the process and wanted to be part of any future meetings. Latin American participants were especially keen to establish an ongoing regional process. One of the main reasons for this was the poor interchange between governments and business nationally and the poor interaction between governments in the region.

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