Circular No. 4204/Add.21 Call for collaboration to assist in ensuring that ships continue to sail, ports remain open and cross-border trade flow is maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDRES SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 | Facsimile: +44 (0)20 587 3210
Subject: Joint IMO-UNCTAD Statement – Call for collaboration to assist in ensuring that ships continue to sail, ports remain open and cross-border trade flow is maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have jointly issued the attached statement, calling for collaboration to assist in ensuring that ships continue to sail, ports remain open and cross-border trade flow is maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Member States and international organizations are invited to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of the competent authorities and all interested bodies, at both national and local levels.
Summary of the Statement
The main objective of this statement is to ensure the continuity of global supply chains through international collaboration and economic resilience. The following key points are emphasized:
- Operational Continuity: It is essential that ships continue to sail, ports remain open and cross-border trade flows are maintained so that trade continues during the pandemic.
- Collaboration: International coordination and solidarity are essential to overcome logistical challenges and the shortage of necessary supplies.
- Health and Safety: Safe conditions must be guaranteed for border agencies to carry out all necessary controls.
- Long-term benefits: The measures adopted to tackle the crisis may drive investments in digitalization, energy efficiency of ships and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
