2024-09-09-联合国-联合国西亚经济社会委员会-2023年阿拉伯地区的数字和可持续贸易便利化（英）_40页_1mb

Analysis Summary: Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation in the Arab Region

• Key Findings: Arab countries have progressed in trade facilitation but lag behind in digital solutions. Overall implementation rate was 61% in 2023, with GCC countries leading at 82%, and CICs/LDCs lagging at 38-48%. The digitalization of trade operations is insufficient, with paperless trade measures at only 46-47%.

• Challenges: The main obstacles include the lack of electronic issuance and exchange of certificates of origin and sanitary/phytosanitary certificates. GCC nations performed best, while middle-income, conflict-affected, and least-developed countries need support to catch up.

• Progress: Between 2021 and 2023, Egypt showed significant improvement (40% to 60% overall). Cross-border paperless trade saw moderate gains, though still low at 35-47%. Institutional arrangements and transparency were strong, with rates above 70-80%.

• Digitization Gap: Despite global advances, Arab countries remain behind in paperless trade and digital procedures. Only deficiencies in automated systems and electronic payments were noted.

• Women in Trade: This category had the lowest implementation (46%), showing a need for policies supporting women traders. A lack of specialized measures hindered gender-equity in trade.

• Recommendations: Prioritize cross-border paperless trade, invest in digital infrastructure, enhance gender-inclusive policies, and foster regional cooperation to align digital standards and reduce trade barriers.

• Conclusions: Digital technology can streamline customs, reduce paperwork, and boost efficiency. However, substantial effort is required to address inefficiencies, especially in women’s participation and digital adoption to reach comparable income levels with other regions.