UNCTAD eWeek high-level session on digital frontiers in trade logistics: Connectivity for tomorrow's economy

Your Excellency, Ms. Eiman Almutairi, Vice-Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia, my dear friend,

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

In an age where the digital landscape shapes our daily lives, we turn our attention in this session to the profound impact it has on trade and logistics - the arteries of the global economy.

Emerging technologies, such as blockchain, automated customs systems, digital platforms or artificial intelligence, have transformed supply chains, and ushered in a new era of efficiency, transparency, and interconnectedness.

At UNCTAD, we have developed a series of initiatives and programmes that assist countries in reducing the digital frontiers in trade logistics. For instance, our largest technical assistance programme ASYCUDA offers digital solutions to automate customs, or a project we recently initiated uses blockchain to simplify and expedite import, export and transit procedures. For us, the nexus between technology and trade is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible force shaping the contours of tomorrow's economy.

In this context, it is my honor to welcome you all to this high-level session, where we will explore and deliberate on the digital frontiers in trade logistics.

We want to unravel the potential of using and integrating digital technologies to enhance and streamline processes within the field of trade and logistics. We want to explore new opportunities for international collaboration in these areas. And we want to assess the challenges that arise with these technical developments, for countries, businesses and people.

In the spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing, your expertise and commitment to this dialogue are very valuable. Your collective insights will guide us towards a future where digital technologies serve as a catalyst for a more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected global economy.

Before I give back the floor to Shamika [the moderator], I would like to draw your attention to an important trade logistics event next year: The first Global Supply Chain Forum. We are organizing this forum jointly with the Government of Barbados in Bridgetown from 21 to 24 May 2024. I also take this opportunity to thank the Government of Saudi Arabia for their financial support.

The Forum will enable us to address the growing supply chain challenges. We will discuss issues that are at the core of the functioning of supply chains, such as sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, trade facilitation, digitalization, transport connectivity or transport costs. At the same time, we will address broader issues, such as food security, or climate change adaptation and mitigation, and how to help developing countries to prepare for the energy transition in international transport. And of course, we will need to speak about financing as financing remains key for any transformation.

I invite you to mark this event on your agendas, and hope to see you all next year at the forum!

But for now, I wish you fruitful discussions in this session and thank you all for your attention.