From 7 to 8 June, ECOWAS and the World Bank organised a workshop in Accra as part of the Improved and Facilitated Trade in West Africa project. Representatives of UEMOA and the European Union also took part in the discussions. The workshop revolved around several issues related to the easing of trade in the maid trade corridors in the region, especially those that connect landlocked countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) to coastal countries (Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana). Participants sought to identify good practices in the areas of customs co-operation, facilitation of cross-border flows, including at ports, and co-operation between the authorities of the region in terms of procedure, with the aim of developing an action plan to promote increased regional trade. Funded by the European Union through a EUR 3.5 million grant for the 2014-18 period, the Improved and Facilitated Trade in West Africa project, is being implemented by the new Trade and Competitiveness global practice of the World Bank Group, in partnership with ECOWAS.