DILI, 25 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24 february 2026 to strengthen their collaboration in digital trade and customs modernisation.
The agreement was signed at CPLP headquarters in Lisbon by Ambassador Maria de Fátima Jardim, Executive Secretary of the CPLP, and Renaud Massenet, Head of the ASYCUDA Programme (Automated System for Customs Data) at UNCTAD.
The MoU aims to reinvigorate the partnership between the two organisations, which began in 2000.
Both parties recognised the importance of cooperation in several areas, including strengthening capacities in digital trade for CPLP member states, coordinating technical assistance for customs and trade reform and automation, and sharing knowledge and experience on trade, inclusive economic diversification, and structural transformation for sustainable development.
Ambassador Maria de Fátima Jardim highlighted the initiatives already undertaken in customs modernisation with UNCTAD and emphasised that the MoU will support “more dynamic and efficient trade, increasingly capable institutions, and more competitive and diversified economies” within the CPLP.
Renaud Massenet described the partnership as a shared commitment to strengthening economic governance, modernising trade-related institutions, and promoting sustainable development across CPLP member states.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, UNCTAD was established in 1964 to integrate developing countries into the global economy and contribute to poverty eradication. The agency also works with other UN bodies to monitor progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
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