Commonwealth

This report is part of a global survey effort on the implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures, undertaken jointly by the five United Nations Regional Commissions for Africa (ECA), Europe (ECE), Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and West Asia (ESCWA) as well as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Based on the 2023 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, this report examines the progress of trade facilitation reforms across Commonwealth countries and provides a comprehensive insight into policy measures and actions that Commonwealth countries have taken to facilitate international trade. The report reaffirms the substantial benefits that digital trade facilitation measures can bring to countries in the Commonwealth. An ambitious trade digitalization strategy can reduce trade costs by approximately 15%, whereas achieving basic compliance with the WTO TFA could result in a reduction of only around 4% in trade costs. In this regard, the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade (CPTA) provides a supportive platform for member countries to facilitate the electronic exchange of cross-border trade-related data and documents. Commonwealth countries are encouraged to join this important UN treaty to harness the advantages offered, via a dedicated, inclusive, and capacity-building intergovernmental platform to support countries in their gradual transition toward ‘less paper’ and eventually paperless and cross-border paperless trade, achieving trade digitalization. This can further boost the trade cost advantage that Commonwealth countries enjoy as a result of their shared legal system, business practices and deeper historical linkages. The report was jointly prepared by ESCAP and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

For other reports and the results of the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation 2023, please visit http://www.untfsurvey.org