Trade Facilitation Research Articles

Innovative policy of WTO on trade in the global financial services market

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been actively working to address the various challenges facing the global financial services market and is of great importance for the regulation of trade in general, including trade in financial services. This is done through the WTO’s guidance in the conclusion of trade agreements containing provisions on financial services, such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The main goal of the GATS is to create conditions for legalizing and regulating trade in financial services between member countries. It promotes the creation of a legal framework for trade in services, including financial services, and establishes principlesand procedures to be followed by market participants. In addition, the WTO facilitates the exchange of information and best practices between countries to promote innovative development of the financial sector (FSC), Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and stimulates competition, which can foster innovation. However, specific policies on innovation in the financial sector are usually determined by national governments and regulators, and the WTO helps to create a general framework for their development. However, it should be noted that ongoing efforts are needed to address the remaining challenges and to promote a more efficient and accessible global financial services market. The article examines the key features of the regulatory framework for modern financial instruments in individual countries, as well as the mechanisms of WTO regulation of the global financial services market.

Project Management Practices And E-Goverment Performance In Kenya Trade Portal

In recent years, the global landscape has witnessed a transformative shift towards digitalization, with governments increasingly turning to electronic platforms to enhance service delivery and efficiency. Within this context, the implementation and success of e-government projects have become pivotal for nations striving to harness the benefits of technology in public administration. The Kenya Trade Portal stands as a noteworthy example of such initiatives, reflecting the nation's commitment to leveraging digital solutions for trade facilitation. The general objective of this study was to assess the effect of project management practices on egovernment project performance: a case of Kenya Trade Portal. Specifically, the study sought to establish the effect of technological integration, stakeholder involvement, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management on the performance of Kenya Trade Portal. The study made use of primary data using structured questionnaires. An explanatory research design was adopted. The target population included all the 125 employees of the Kenya Trade portal from the various departments and fields. The collected primary data was analyzed descriptively by use of means and standard deviation and inferentially by use of correlation and regression analyses. The study found that technological integration had a significant positive effect on project performance Stakeholder involvement also significantly influenced project performance. Furthermore, the study revealed that monitoring and evaluation had a positive and significant impact on project performance. Risk management was found to have the strongest effect on project performance. The model indicated that the project management practices studied were highly influential in determining the success of the Kenya Trade Portal. In conclusion, the study confirms that project management practices play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of e-government projects like the Kenya Trade Portal. The study recommends that project managers prioritize continuous technological upgrades, engage stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems, and adopt comprehensive risk management strategies to further enhance project outcomes.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Trade Facilitation through Single Window Systems

This paper explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing trade facilitation through its integration with Single Window Systems (SWS). It investigates how AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of trade processes. Case studies of Singapore and Australia are analyzed to highlight successful AI applications and key lessons learned. The study discusses the benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced accuracy, and improved user experience, alongside the challenges posed by technical complexities, legal and ethical considerations, and resistance to change. The paper also provides policy implications and recommendations for governments, international organizations, and private sector stakeholders. Future research directions emphasize emerging AI technologies like AI-driven blockchain and advanced NLP, and their potential long-term impacts on global trade dynamics.

Has trade facilitation of the ‘Belt and Road’ countries promoted China's cross‐border E‐commerce exports?

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of trade facilitation level on China's exports in cross‐border e‐commerce (CBEC) in 56 major ‘Belt and Road’ countries using PPML panel estimation. The total sample and sub‐sample regressions based on the classification of developed and developing countries show that (1) the trade facilitation level of ‘Belt and Road’ countries has a significant positive impact on China's CBEC exports, but the impact of developed countries is greater than that of developing countries. (2) All five trade facilitation sub‐indicators of the ‘Belt and Road’ countries have an impact on China's CBEC exports, but the impact of the logistics and e‐commerce environments are prominent. (3) The impact of the customs environment of developed countries on China's CBEC exports is second only to that of the logistics environment, and the impact of the e‐commerce environment in developing countries is greater than that of the logistics environment. To promote China's CBEC exports to the ‘Belt and Road’ countries, the Chinese government needs to prioritise cooperation in the logistics and e‐commerce environments. In addition, cooperation with developed countries in particular needs to strengthen the customs environment construction, whilst cooperation with developing countries should prioritise the improvement of the e‐commerce environment.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications on the Global Power Dynamics

This work explores the multifaceted impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiated by China on global power dynamics, economic landscapes, and diplomatic alliances. Beginning with an overview of the BRI's historical context and objectives, the essay delves into its theoretical framework, employing Organski's power transition theory to analyze economic, geopolitical, strategic, and cultural dimensions. The literature review integrates insights from scholars such as Layne, Modelski, Thompson, Huntington, and Nye, providing a nuanced understanding of the BRI's placement within broader historical patterns. The essay then examines the economic impact of the BRI on participating countries, emphasizing infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and technology transfer. A shift in the global economic center of gravity towards Asia is explored, challenging traditional economic power structures. Geopolitical implications and evolving power dynamics are analyzed, highlighting the strategic positioning of China and the formation of new alliances. Global responses to the BRI, particularly from major powers like the United States, Russia, and the European Union, are discussed, reflecting varying perspectives on China's growing influence. The work also addresses challenges and criticisms related to debt sustainability, environmental concerns, transparency, and governance. In conclusion, the paper reflects on the transformative effects of the BRI, emphasizing its role in shaping a multipolar world and challenging existing norms of hegemony.

Trade facilitation, market size, and supply chain efficiency of Taiwan semiconductor companies.

In an environment marked by global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainties, the stability of Taiwan's supply chain takes on heightened importance, particularly given Taiwan's crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain. In recent years, semiconductor companies in Taiwan have faced increasing inventory pressures, which will reduce their competitiveness and increase operational costs over the long term. Although previous studies have explored the influence of trade facilitation on macroeconomic and trade efficiencies, its specific impacts on the semiconductor industry have been less frequently addressed. This study integrates corporate inventory, trade facilitation, and geopolitical factors within a unified analytical framework to construct a model that explores mediating and moderating effects. This study conducted regression analysis on data from 52 Taiwan-listed integrated circuit companies from 2014 to 2022. Contrary to traditional findings that trade facilitation decreases inventory in other industries, it predominantly fosters inventory accumulation within Taiwan's semiconductor sector by expanding market size, thereby affecting supply chain efficiency. Moreover, geopolitical factors were found to intensify the effects of trade facilitation on corporate inventory. Elevated geopolitical risks lead to greater inventory accumulation, which ultimately threatens long-term competitiveness and diminishes the semiconductor industry's advantage in Taiwan, further influencing supply chain efficiency. Consequently, this study recommends that to more accurately forecast market size, semiconductor companies in Taiwan are encouraged to expand their manufacturing investments in Chinese mainland. Additionally, the prudent handling of cross-strait relations by the Taiwan authorities is an important strategy to mitigate geopolitical risks affecting the semiconductor supply chain.

Understanding the Politics of Food Regulation and Public Health: An Analysis of Codex Standard-Setting Processes on Food Labelling

Background: The importance of the international food regulatory system to global health, is often overlooked. There are calls to reform this system to promote healthy and sustainable food systems centred on the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the United Nation’s (UN’s) standard-setting body. Yet this presents a significant political challenge, given Codex has historically prioritized food safety risks over wider harms to public health, and is dominated by powerful food exporting nations and industry groups with a primary interest in trade expansion. To better understand this challenge, we examine who participates and contests Codex standards, using the development of the new Guidelines on Front-of-pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) as a case study. Methods: The study involved: (i) collecting Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) documents (2016-2023); (ii) identification, categorization, and enumeration of actors involved in the development of the Guidelines; and (iii) guided by a constructivist framework, analysis of how actors framed and contested key provisions of the Guidelines. Results: Country representation was skewed towards high-income (47.9%). Member state delegations were dominated by non-health ministries (59.8%) and industry actors (16.1%). Industry actors comprised the large majority of observers (84.2%) and civil society actors representing public health interests the least (12.2%). Commercial actors used frames supporting positive FOPNL messages (eg, low in salt) opposing negative ones (eg, "high-in" sugar warnings) and called for product exemptions (eg, sports foods and baby foods). Public health actors used frames supporting simplified FOPNL to reduce consumer confusion, that hold up public health goals, and prevent inappropriate marketing. Conclusion: Participation in the Guidelines development process suggests stronger preferences for trade facilitation and commerce over public health. Ambitions to reform the international food regulatory system may require an examination of who participates and how to address this asymmetrical representation of interests. These results suggest the need to greatly strengthen public health representation at Codex.

Le concept du contrat du transport maritime de marchandises et les Conventions qui le rglementent

Somalian Piracy constitutes one of the main threats not only to internAlthough the contract of carriage sometimes looks similar to other contracts such as the contract of affreightment and tonnage contract, the legal system that governs it is different. Several Conventions, Protocols or International Rules regulate the carriage of goods. We can mention the American Harter Act, the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to Bills of Lading signed at Brussels on 25 August 1924 (The Hague Rules), the Protocol to Amend the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law Relating to Bills of Lading signed at Brussels on 23 February 1968 (Visby Rules), the Protocol amending the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading of 25 August 1924 (The Hague Rules), as amended by the Protocol of 23 February 1968, signed at Brussels on December 21st, 1979. We can also mention the United Nations International Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea adopted in Hamburg on March 31st, 1978 (Hamburg Rules). In an effort to organize the maritime transport of goods in an equitable manner, each Convention is intended to fill the gaps of the previous one and maintain a balance between the various parties to the contract of carriage. At the beginning of the century, each mode of international carriage continues to be governed by autonomous Rules. For the sake of globalization of trade and trade facilitation, jurists acted for the unification of the rules of international carriage. Thus, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) adopted on July 3rd, 2008, the "Draft of Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea". On December 11, 2008, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the "the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea", and recommended that the rules laid down in the Convention are from now on known as the "Rules of Rotterdam". This Convention has since then been open to ratification by the states. It shall enter into force one year after the ratification meeting at least twenty states. These Rules have advantages, but they also have some disadvantages. A study of these advantages and disadvantages is interesting.: Piracy, international legal system, International Law, sovereign territory, non-liquet, UN resolutions, Universal Jurisdiction, United Nations Charter, Non-State Actor

Trade Facilitation: Do The Custom Administration Procedures Matter?

This paper seeks to address the effect of customs administration procedures on trade facilitation in Kenya. The study employs an explanatory research design and administered questionnaires as the data instrument to gather data from 200 customs officials in Keny a. The study findings indicated that declaration of goods, documentation and verification of goods had a positive and significant effect on trade facilitation. From the results, the study concluded that customs administration procedures ha ve a significant influence on trade facilitation in Kenya. This study was anchored on Resource Based View (RBV) Theory. This research study adds to the existing knowledge and improves understanding to the building of a solid framework. The ultimate objective of enhancing t rade facilitation is evaluated against significant custom procedures such as declaration of goods, documentation completeness and verification of goods. Kenya Revenue Authority should enhance declaration of goods by ensuring that declaration of goods follo ws the international standards; should ensure accurate completion of required export documentation, comply with import/export documentation requirements and produce documents such as invoice for the goods; and should ensure thorough inspection of the goods , conduct complete inventory inspection and application of scanners in verification of goods.

Stakeholder Analysis of Indonesia's Trade the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Actor Non-ASEAN

This study examines Indonesia’s trade relations with non-ASEAN member countries under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP, signed in 2020, presents Indonesia with significant opportunities to expand market access, particularly with key partners like China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. However, challenges persist, particularly in terms of trade imbalances and competitive pressures. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from trade flow statistics and tariff reductions with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders. The Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method was applied to assess the effectiveness of RCEP provisions. Results show that while Indonesia benefits from improved market access, significant trade deficits remain, especially with China and Australia. Stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector exporters, play pivotal roles in mitigating these challenges by addressing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade facilitation. In conclusion, Indonesia must strategically leverage the RCEP framework to address trade imbalances and improve export competitiveness. Policy recommendations include enhancing stakeholder collaboration, improving infrastructure, and increasing awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fully utilize RCEP benefits. These efforts will ensure Indonesia remains competitive in global trade.

Mapping trade opportunities in Central and South Asia: an exploration through trade indices and metrics

Purpose This study aims to explore the possibilities for regional (intra and inter) trade between Central Asia and South Asia (CASA) by examining several frameworks that impact the economic integration of these regions. Design/methodology/approach The study uses five indices, specifically the export diversification index, export survival rates, export sophistication, revealed comparative advantage and intra-industry trade index in South and Central Asia, from 2005 to 2021. Findings The findings show a twofold increase in the potential trade value between the two regions compared to the actual level. The intra-regional trade in Central Asia accounts for less than 5% of trade with all countries, whereas the intra-regional trade in South Asia accounts for 1.5%, and the inter-regional trade accounts for between 0.2 and 4% of total trade to all destinations. The intensity of trade measurements shows that inter-regional trade flows are modest because they make up a relatively small percentage of the entire trade volume, which includes all destinations, ranging from 0.2 to 4 %. Research limitations/implications These findings have a significant impact on the successful implementation of trading-related measures, initiatives and institutional mechanisms for encouraging improved trade between and within both regions. Practical implications Export diversification initiatives aim to provide favourable outcomes for all parties involved, focusing on expanding the range of goods and services exchanged. CASA countries with higher diversification have shown more favourable outcomes than those relying on a restricted range of products. The authors expect policies promoting a broader array of exports to boost market shares, while maintaining a narrow focus may hinder new export prospects. In addition, regional value chains and policy initiatives promoting trade and investment could lead to increased value additions to exports, technological transfers and job creation. Social implications The study emphasises the significance of trade-related policies, programmes and institutional mechanisms in promoting trade between CASA. It emphasises the need for policies that support investment and trade, adopt new requirements of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and promote diversity and latency. Originality/value Based on economic analysis, the study offers practical insights and strategies for businesses in the CASA regions. It also provides analytical tools for academics and decision makers, as well as policy and programme recommendations for government agencies, development partners, researchers and individuals interested in trade dynamics in these regions.

EU Accession of Western Balkan States: The Role of CEFTA and WTO Membership

The Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) is known to have positively affected the EU accession of several central and eastern European states. The fairly modest progress of EU accessions of Western Balkan states is in stark contrast to the processes of the EU accession of the parties to the original version of CEFTA. This article analyses the role of WTO membership as an external factor determining the efficacy of CEFTA in advancing the process of EU integration in the Western Balkans (2007–2024). The article identifies two key advantages of WTO membership in the context of CEFTA’s role in the process of EU accession. The first advantage is related to the use of WTO dispute settlement to ensure compliance with standards either identical or similar to those established by CEFTA. The second advantage is based on the relatively new WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), aimed at eliminating many of the barriers to international trade, which happen to be the key problems as regards regional economic integration in the Western Balkans. The article concludes that WTO membership could play a decisive role for the coordinated and efficient process of the European integration of Western Balkan states on the basis of CEFTA.

Sustainable Development of the China Railway Express under the Belt and Road Initiative: Focusing on Infrastructure Reliability and Trade Facilitation

The China Railway Express (CR Express) is an important component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The sustainable development of CR Express provides critical support for regional economic integration and promotes a balanced development of the supply chain. Infrastructure reliability and trade facilitation greatly impact the operation of CR Express and are crucial for improving the competitiveness of transnational trade and cross-border efficiency. Inconsistent transportation infrastructure standards and low-efficient transportation service procedures affect the cross-border movement of cargo among countries. This paper integrates quantified metrics of infrastructure reliability and trade facilitation into a spatial friction model based on the electrical resistance theory, estimating the impact of these factors on the transportation flow of CR Express. Additionally, three scenarios of infrastructure reliability and trade facilitation are established for the four trade routes from Zhengzhou to Hamburg. Numerical experiments show that compared with inland river routes and traditional ocean routes, infrastructure reliability and trade facilitation significantly influence the transport flow of CR Express. These research results can provide a reference for the improvements of CR Express transportation efficiency and the simplification of customs clearance processes, potentially promoting the sustainable development of the CR Express supply chain to some extent.

Trade Facilitation as a Catalyst for Government Revenue Enhancement: Exploring the Synergies Between Trade Efficiency and Tax Collection

Customs administrators worldwide are mandated to mobilize national revenue collections through the assessment and collection of applicable duties and taxes on all imports and exports. One of their primary concerns following the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement is the need to optimise revenue collections while simultaneously upholding trade facilitation. This research assesses trade facilitation implications on government revenue mobilization in developing countries with a particular emphasis on Zimbabwe. The paper adopts a qualitative approach, capturing several subjective elements including the examination of the Critical Success Factors for enhanced revenue collection as well as the evaluation of trade facilitation as a solution to customs revenue leakages. Purposive sampling was employed to collect data from employees working in the Customs Division at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. Eighty questionnaires were distributed to participants working in Beitbridge, Chirundu, Forbes border posts and the Robert Mugabe International Airport targeting Customs Senior Managers, Customs Middle Managers, Revenue Supervisors and Revenue Officers as key respondents. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29. This analysis focused on four dimensions of trade facilitation, which includes port efficiency, customs environment, regulatory environment, and electronic-business. The findings indicate that trade facilitation reforms, when executed appropriately in conjunction with enhancements in electronic-business, port efficiency, customs environment and the regulatory framework, can effectively augment revenue collection. Regulatory environment improvements are key in influencing increasing revenue collection and should be prioritised in resource allocation for the achievement of best possible outcomes. We recommend ‘continuous refresher training’ on trade facilitation awareness targeting all stakeholders in ports of entry, accompanied by the implementation of robust risk management strategies as well as intensified implementation of integrity management tools.

An analysis of how digital technology impacts trade costs—Based on the empirical data of RCEP member countries

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt;">This paper explores how digital technology reduces trade costs using bilateral trade data from RCEP member countries and a panel fixed effects model. The findings show that digital technology significantly lowers trade costs, a conclusion that holds even after accounting for lag effects and various robustness checks. The impact of digital technology on trade costs follows an inverted U-shape: the effect is most significant in the current period, especially with a one-period lag, and diminishes over time. Larger economies and higher export levels strengthen this negative impact due to their reliance on exports and continuous improvements in domestic digital technology. The study recommends investing in digital infrastructure, formulating reasonable internet access policies, supporting digital skills development, and enhancing digital connectivity to bridge the digital divide, thereby promoting trade facilitation and efficiency.</span></p>

The impact of BRICS trade facilitation on China’s import and export trade in agricultural products

The impact of BRICS trade facilitation on China’s import and export trade in agricultural products

A Discourse on Economic Corridors: INSTC and Chabahar Port

This study investigates the concept and strategic significance of economic corridors, particularly focusing on India’s initiatives in Eurasia, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port. The primary objective is to analyze how economic corridors serve as instruments for enhancing regional integration, economic growth, and geopolitical influence. Drawing from historical trade routes like the Silk Road, the research explores how modern corridors have evolved into critical drivers of global connectivity. The methodology employed includes a systematic review of academic literature, policy reports, and case studies on various economic corridors, with a particular emphasis on India's projects. The research further evaluates the infrastructure, trade facilitation, investment zones, and institutional cooperation involved in these corridors. The study also assesses social and environmental considerations, alongside an examination of ongoing developments in key Indian initiatives. The findings highlight the potential of economic corridors to significantly improve regional trade and integration, with the INSTC and Chabahar Port offering India strategic advantages in accessing new markets and counterbalancing regional competitors. However, the study also identifies challenges, including infrastructure bottlenecks, geopolitical tensions, and the impact of international sanctions, which may hinder the full realization of these corridors' potential.

The Reinvigoration of the Organization of Turkic States amid Ongoing Geopolitical Unrest and Economic Uncertainty

The recent regional events and the geopolitical consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian war have had a profound impact on the dynamics among Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the Central Asian Turkic states (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan). This shifting geopolitical landscape has been the catalyst of collaboration and integration for these countries under the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), an intergovernmental organization that aims to foster cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations. Being established in 2009, this emerging bloc has pursued a relatively low-profile policy on geopolitical issues in the past decade. However, after years of relatively little activity, things have started to change drastically due to the global situation that is being shaped by wider geopolitical factors. The OTS steadily began to pursue a more ambitious agenda and eventually helped bolster relations and stimulate regional socio-economic development efforts during the last four years, focusing on building stronger regional cooperation through ethnocultural links. The article examines how the Turkic alliance has stimulated functional cooperation through the facilitation of trade, investment, and economic cooperation among its members and observer states.

Lowering trade barriers improves income distribution and economic resiliency

The U.S.-China trade war, COVID-19 pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine contributed to calls for greater economic self-sufficiency by exposing gaps in international collaboration and the uncertainty of global supply chains. In this study, we apply a comprehensive global modeling framework to enhance understanding of the potential impacts of fragmentation of global value chains. Supporting the general argument toward economic benefits from open markets our analysis contributes to the policy debate in two important dimensions of this phenomenon—distributional impacts and economic resiliency. We find that tariff liberalization and trade facilitation measures implemented by developing countries could not only reduce between-country inequality but also result in progressive within-country income distribution primarily through lowering food prices, as well as increasing unskilled wages. In addition, using a case study of disruption to Thailand’s electronics industry, we find higher resiliency of developing countries to external shocks in the globalized (as opposed to a localized) world.

Building bridges: impact of regional cooperation and the belt and road initiative integration on Afghanistan’s trade balance

The main purpose of the study is to shed light on how the Belt and Road Initiative, Foreign Direct Investment, and Regional Cooperation affect Afghanistan's Trade Balance. In research, we used a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly investigate the relationships among distinct variables. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis were carried out using SPSS and AMOS was utilized in the research to validate the data and establish a measurement model, for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The study found that integration with BRI has a significant impact on Afghanistan’s trade balance (M = 3.925, SD = 1.048), with effective regional cooperation Afghanistan can enhance trade, ease barriers, and promote cooperation with neighboring countries (M = 4.017, SD = 1.095). Trade Balance (M = 3.938, SD = 1.112), Also, the importance of attracting FDI is to boost exports and reduce dependence on imports and it is necessary to implement policies for sustainable development (M = 3.983, SD = 1.096). To promote trade, and cooperation and ensure prosperity in the region, the governments can utilize strategic cooperation and create investment opportunities. In conclusion, the study found the importance of cooperation, strategies, and attracting FDI to address both trade facilitation and promote investment for a positive impact on trade balance and influence development.