In a context where supply chain disruptions are becoming more frequent, technologies such as the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI), amongst others, offer predictability and can have a positive impact in rendering cross-border trade transactions and procedures more efficient, transparent, and straight-forward. Artificial intelligence, in particular, has become indispensable in countries’ trade facilitation reforms and in their efforts to be a more cohesive part of global supply chains.
To overcome limitation at the domestic level, in addition to harmonizing their national legal framework with international standards and best practices, public and private sector agencies must also aspire to adopt or apply these advanced technologies to further enhance digital tools such as e-certificates, Single Windows and Trade Information Portals, as well as to increase efficiency in customs clearance, risk management and transparency processes.
However, despite the advantages associated with developing such solutions, disparity still exists among countries. Lack of infrastructure, data and capacity building, disproportionately impact developing and least-developed countries and small island developing states, impairing their opportunities in a more active and productive participation in this changing trade landscape.
This session will explore how these advanced technologies can be used to enhance trade facilitation for more integrated global supply chains, discuss case studies with their AI applications as well as the associated challenges to map out possible next steps to support national resolve to improve and fortify their participation in global supply chains.
Celine Bacrot is an Economist in the Trade Facilitation Section, Division of Technology and Logistics, in UNCTAD. She has more than 25 years of work experience with a focus on trade and economic development, regional integration and political economy. From 2003 until 2008, she worked in UNCTAD as focal point of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (IF) for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on the formulation of trade development strategies. Afterwards, she spent more than 10 years based in East Africa working for several UN agencies (UN-Habitat and UNICEF) and set up a consultancy firm in Arusha, Tanzania, working on trade development projects, mainly regional integration, trade development strategies, and trade facilitation in the EAC region and Asia-Pacific. From 2014 until 2020, she was the regional coordinator for the UNCTAD Trade Facilitation project in East Africa. She is now based in Geneva and works as Officer in Charge of the Trade Facilitation Section in UNCTAD, working on trade facilitation, global supply chains and regional integration. She has a Master in Economics with a specialization in Economic Development as well as a Degree in Political Science, Development and Co-operation from the University of Paris-La Sorbonne.
- More than 30 years’ experience in Customs, trade and border management.
- Globally recognized expert on strategy development, trade facilitation, Trade Compliance AEO/MRA, Risk Management, Digital Trade, Trade Single Window and Trade Portals.
- Led and managed extensive transformation and strategic projects globally – specifically on Single Window and Digital Trade Corridor concepts.
- Outstanding capability to understand business strategies and translate them into IT strategies and Solutions.
