THE INDISPUTABLE ROLE OF SECTORAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GLOBAL TRADE

THE INDISPUTABLE ROLE OF SECTORAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
GLOBAL TRADE
The role of sectoral organizations in ensuring trust and sustainable growth in global
trade is significant. These organizations are obliged to convey the views, suggestions,
and ideas they receive from each of their members to the relevant official authorities.
Thus, these organizations contribute to the improvement of the functioning system. With
this awareness, the International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association
added two new sentences to its vision and mission in 2025.
The following has been added to the association’s vision:
“To be a pioneering organization that has a say before the WCO, shapes global AEO
standards, and provides its members with a competitive advantage in international
trade.”
To the association’s mission:
“To support our members’ competitiveness in international trade through AEO
standards, build capacity through trainings, and strengthen public-private sector
cooperation.”
If we are to approach the matter based on the strategic plan of the International
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association:
Strategic Goals:
· Expand the number of members and scope of influence,
· Increase the number of regional offices,
· Develop training and certification programs,
· Ensure that all AEO certification processes are moved to a digital platform,
· Launch joint accreditation programs with customs administrations,
Strengthening Global Cooperation:
· Establish project partnerships with the World Customs Organization (WCO),
· Carry out international activities for mutual recognition agreements with the EU and
the US/C-TPAT programs,
Digital Transformation and Data Sharing:
· Launch a pilot implementation of a blockchain-based secure document sharing
system on the IAEO portal,
· Launch a “YYS Risk Management Dashboard” for members,
Performance Indicators:
· Conduct member satisfaction surveys,
· Expand training programs,
· Increase media presence,
In today’s increasingly complex world of global trade, trust, standards, and cooperation
have become critical. The International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)
Association brings these three elements together, forming the backbone of supply
chains.
The contributions of sectoral organizations, which operate as associations or unions, to
the sustainability of global trade through their activities can be listed as follows:
· Sectoral organizations increase transparency through internationally recognized
certifications (such as AEO), and they monitor their members’ compliance processes
under a single umbrella.
They reduce costs: for instance, companies with AEO certification can reduce their
logistics costs by up to 25% thanks to fast-track customs clearance.
· Sectoral organizations create a competitive edge in global markets. Sector-specific
associations that shape global standards grant their members “preferred trading
partner” status.
One of the concrete steps our Association will take in this regard is the “critical trio” we
refer to for sustainability: training, international activities, and digitalization.
Capacity-building trainings include the “AEO Process Management Program”
implemented in collaboration with IAEO Academy, as well as complementary
international trade trainings for SMEs.
· Sectoral organizations advocate for the interests of their members before governments
and international bodies. For example: we can mention the positive outcomes of our
visit to HM Revenue & Customs for the Turkey–United Kingdom Mutual Recognition
Agreement (MRA).
“Digital Transformation” can also be considered a priority. With tools like the “AEO Risk
Management Dashboard,” members will be able to monitor compliance in real time.
· Sectoral organizations can form a global network among themselves to unite different
geographies and use this network as an instrument in the development of international
trade.
Sectoral associations carry local knowledge to the global level. For example: the
logistics experience of a member in Asia can guide a member in Europe.
On the other hand, during times of crisis, sectoral organizations can contact
counterparts and produce collective solutions.
During the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic, AEO companies were able to overcome
supply chain disruptions more swiftly in this way.
As IAEO, our 2026 vision is for Turkey to become a full member of the WCO and have a
say in global trade policies.
Today, the future of global trade is being built upon trust, standards, and cooperation.
Structures like the IAEO Association combine these three elements and:
· Increase the competitiveness of manufacturing and exporting companies—including
SMEs—in the market,
· Accelerate digitalization,
· Lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
In the digitizing trade environment of the 21st century, sectoral associations have gone
far beyond their traditional roles and assumed the function of “architects of global
trade.”
Structures like the IAEO Association, in addition to providing technical support and
networking opportunities to their members, play an active role in setting international
standards, shaping intergovernmental agreements, and steering sectoral
transformation.
Sectoral organizations are bridges of trust in global trade.
Their members are the architects building those bridges.
In this context, as IAEO, we are taking firm steps forward and defining a clear vision.
In conclusion, sectoral organizations play a key role in the reliable, sustainable, and
inclusive growth of global trade.
The strategic plan of the IAEO Association demonstrates how this role can be translated
into concrete actions.
We invite all stakeholders to be part of this transformation and to contribute to
strengthening Turkey’s position in international trade.
Mehmet Altay YEGİN
Chairman of the Board
International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association