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OECD Highlights Progress and Challenges in Trade Facilitation Across the Americas
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
The latest OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) report provides a detailed overview of efforts made by 163 economies to improve the movement, release, and clearance of goods at borders. The report underscores steady global progress in trade facilitation as countries work to ensure that supply chains remain efficient, resilient, and responsive to evolving trade patterns.
One of the report’s key findings is that border agency cooperation—a critical element for smooth trade operations—has seen notable progress, despite remaining one of the most difficult areas to reform. Many countries have made advances in setting up regulatory frameworks for trade facilitation, but gaps persist in the actual implementation of these frameworks, particularly when it comes to automating documents and processes. The OECD emphasizes that further simplification and streamlining of border procedures are vital to reduce trade costs and promote economic growth.
In the Americas region, the report highlights encouraging developments. Approximately two-thirds of economies in the region improved performance in domestic border agency coordination and streamlining of customs procedures, while one-third registered progress in cross-border cooperation. These improvements are crucial for facilitating regional trade and improving competitiveness.
Central America stands out for its regional integration efforts, particularly through the Central American Digital Trade Platform (PDCC). The platform has helped harmonize data requirements and IT systems among countries such as Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, fostering a more unified and efficient approach to trade across borders.
The report also identifies Nicaragua as one of the leading reformers in the Americas in 2024, alongside other advancing economies in the region: Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. These countries have taken meaningful steps to modernize border procedures and enhance coordination, signaling a broader commitment to trade facilitation as a driver of regional economic development.
While progress is being made, the OECD cautions that continued investment in implementation—especially in automation and cross-border agency cooperation—will be essential to fully realize the benefits of modern, efficient trade systems.
Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
GUY JOSE BENDAÑA GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS has a long and prosperous tradition in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Nicaragua, with roots that go back to more than 100 years, resulting on long-term relationships with renowned clients and attorneys worldwide.
The firm has its origins in the law firm Henry Caldera & Henry Caldera-Pallais, founded in 1907 by Mr. Henry Caldera. That same year of 1907, through the efforts of Mr. Caldera, Nicaragua had its first Trademark Law. In the late 1930’s, Mr. Caldera’s oldest son, Dr. Henry Caldera-Pallais, after studying law in Nicaragua, attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated as a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Dr. Caldera-Pallais in 1964 was a founding member of the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), the first regional intellectual property organization in the Americas. The firm continued to grow during the administration of Dr. Franklin Caldera, son of Dr. Caldera-Pallais, who obtained his doctoral degree in law from the Universidad Centroamericana in 1973.
Since 1985 the current partners, Dr. Guy José Bendaña Guerrero and Mrs. Blanca Aragón de Bendaña, took over the management of the firm. Dr. Bendaña Guerrero, Director of the firm, has distinguished himself as one of the most respected authorities in Central America in the field of intellectual property and law in general, being the author of several books such as “Course of Industrial Property Law”, “Study of the new Laws of Industrial Property” and “New Study of Contracts “, among others. Mrs. Aragón de Bendaña has served as the firm’s general manager and, thanks to her excellent management, the firm has been in constant growth, with a highly qualified staff committed to excellence. Since 1996, partner Julián José Bendaña Aragón joined the firm, and has been standing out as one of the most recognized attorneys in the field of intellectual property.
We have adapted to the constant change of the business world, supporting our clients in finding the most appropriate legal solutions for each moment. The firm distinguishes itself by understanding the needs of its clients, offering personalized service and adding value to its activities.
Nowadays we continue to be the leading firm in Nicaragua in the area of intellectual property, and at the same time, we have been consolidating other areas of service within the civil, commercial and labor fields, as well as litigation and consulting in general. The firm is well positioned to guarantee a pragmatic service that meets the requirements of the most demanding clients.