President Dilma Rousseff signed today (Mar. 29) the letter of ratification for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement during a ceremony at the Planalto presidential palace, also attended by WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.

Early in the month, the Senate approved the agreement signed in Bali, Indonesia, in December, 2013. The deal, which aims to cut red tape in foreign commerce and remove administrative barriers, comes as part of the Bali Package, viewed as historic for being the first global trade agreement forged in 20 years.

On Monday (28), after meeting with Chancellor Mauro Vieira, Azevêdo said he expects the necessary number of ratifications to be turned in soon, so that the deal may come into effect as quickly as possible. In order for that to happen, a total of one third of the WTO's member countries (108) is required.