The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday (24) in Lisbon, Portugal, to boost cooperation that began in 2000.
According to a publication by Lusa, the CPLP, represented by its executive secretary, Maria de Fátima Jardim, and UNCTAD, represented by the head of the Automated Customs Data System Program, Renaud Massenet, recognized the importance of cooperating in various areas.
According to the CPLP press release, the two institutions will collaborate in strengthening the digitization of international trade for member states that request it, coordinating technical assistance in the reform, modernization, and automation of customs and trade procedures, and sharing knowledge and experiences on trade and areas related to inclusive economic diversification and structural transformation for sustainable development.
For Maria de Fátima Jardim, this memorandum could enable “more dynamic and efficient trade, increasingly capable institutions, and more competitive and diversified economies in the community.”
UNCTAD, a United Nations agency based in Geneva, Switzerland, was created in 1964 to integrate developing countries into the world economy and contribute to the eradication of poverty.
The CPLP, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, consists of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau (suspended), Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.
