The United Nations International Symposium on Trade Efficiency (UNISTE) was held in Columbus, Ohio from 17 to 21 October and was chaired by Ron Brown, Secretary of the US Department of Commerce. Visitors from nearly 140 countries representing the private and public sectors, from small business owners to heads of government, met at the Symposium to discuss technology and trade efficiency. The Symposium consisted of the United Nations Symposium on Trade Efficiency, the Global Executive Trade Summit, the Global Summit for Mayors and the World Trade & Technology Exhibition.
The Trade Point program was a main focus of the Summit. Trade Point representatives from over 30 countries met to share ideas and discuss administrative and organizational issues necessary to transition the program to full operational status. The attending UN delegates, mayors and business leaders addressed the long-term strategy for encouraging the development of Trade Points world-wide. Participants issued a series of recommendations for both business and government on how electronic commerce should be employed and how governments might facilitate the trading process by promoting the development of the vital infrastructure needed to participate in international trade. In addition, participants discussed streamlining customs regulations and revisited discussions on the reduction of traditional barriers to trade such as tariffs and import restrictions.
At its opening plenary meeting, on 19 October 1994, the Symposium adopted the Columbus Ministerial Declaration on Trade Efficiency. At its closing plenary meeting, on 21 October 1994, the Symposium decided to transmit the Columbus Ministerial Declaration on Trade Efficiency and the supporting recommendations and guidelines for trade efficiency to the General Assembly.