The United Nations Network of Experts for paperless Trade (UN NExT) in Asia and the Pacific has been created by ESCAP and UNECE to build up a regional pool of technical expertise that can support the implementation of paperless trade and Single Window in the region.

The Network provides information on standards and tools for paperless trade: It develops implementation guidelines and training materials and conducts workshops. An important component is the exchange of information and experience among the experts. Besides face to face meetings and training events the Network extensively uses Internet technologies for communication and interaction.

Participants in the network are technical experts and managers of information and communication systems. The participation in the Network is free of charge. Participation in this network is subject to the approval of UNECE and UNESCAP. In general UNECE and ESCAP expect that the participation of an expert is supported by a Government ministry or an agency closely linked to the Government. Participants from private sector companies may participate in the network, subject to the support of their companies to the objectives of the Network.

On a regular basis the UN will send snap-shot evaluation questionnaires to the participating organizations their technical experts. The continued support of the UN will depend on a sustained appraisal.  Experts will be asked to renew the participation process on regular intervals. Their continued participation is subject to their ability to contribute to the implementation of paperless trade in their countries and the contribution they make to the objectives of the Network.

The Network supports the implementation of paperless trade based on open, standard based solutions such as the United Nations Layout Key and UNeDocs.

The United Nations Layout Key is a standard for paper based trade documents and provides the basis for the simplification and automation of information exchange. The vast majority of international trade documents are based on this standard. The standard is integrated and supported as a best practice by many international instruments such as the revised Kyoto Convention of the WCO, the TIR Convention, CMR, and the relevant WTO agreements (in particular GATT Articles V, VIII and X).

UNeDocs complements the UN Layout Key for electronic business environments. UNeDocs documents can be implemented in paper and electronic format. UNeDocs is a standard under development by the UN/CEFACT Digital Paper Working Group. UNeDocs documents are compatible with the paper based procedures and business processes which are still predominant in international trade. The UNeDocs document can also use UN/EDIFACT environment which are the preferred system for large corporations, Customs organizations, ports and airports. UNeDocs documents can also be used as XML (extended Mark-up Language) documents which fully integrate into Web Based applications. With UNeDocs XML documents, the standard desktop becomes a portal into paperless trade.

Participants in the Network of Experts have access to the following services and support:

• Access to interactive communication tools, Web Conferencing Services, Collaborative tools and mailing lists
• Releases of UNeDocs standards and working versions for direct use in Data Modelling tools
• National and regional releases of data models and electronic document implementations
• Training materials and tools
• Exchange of expertise and experience and peer support

In addition the UN aims to organise on a regular basis workshops and training events to support the activities of the Network provided that funding can be secured.

Click here to access the UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade (UN NexT)