Trade and Supply Chain Finance

Paper-based trade is hobbling international trade in many countries. Photo: Wesley Tingey

Can the pandemic help end the paper chase that is hobbling international trade?

Paper-based trade is a drag on the efficiency of the global trading system. Digitization will make trade and supply chains more robust, and the world more secure.

Steven Beck

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership could be a game changer for trade in Asia if the “rules of origin” details are worked out. Photo: Rinson Chory

Making RCEP successful through business-friendly rules of origin

The massive Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership presents a major trade opportunity for Asia but there are still critical details that need to be worked out.

Pramila Crivelli, Stefano Inama

Efforts to curb money laundering should not impinge on the economic activities of legitimate businesses, particularly in developing countries. Photo: Mufid Majnun

Fix money-laundering reporting requirements to stifle crime, boost trade

Improving the reporting system to deter money laundering and the financing of terrorism will make it easier to track down those using the global financial system for nefarious ends, while easing restraints on legitimate trade.

Steven Beck, Catherine Estrada

Asia’s vaunted supply chains will be put to the test by COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Photo: ADB

Asia’s fabled supply chains to be tested by COVID-19 vaccine delivery

The enormous logistical challenge of vaccine distribution will be aided by trade and supply chain finance guarantees.

Steven Beck

Asia’s trade and supply chain ecosystem needs to up its digital game. Photo: Austin Distel

The global economy will emerge stronger if COVID-19 drives digitization

The health crisis should drive us to aggressively digitize global trade and supply chains so we can make the economic recovery stronger and the economy more robust.

Steven Beck

During the pandemic, the supply chains that move medical goods and keep the world fed are under duress. Photo: iStock

Even with borders closing, we need to keep trade flowing

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to support trade to not only move medical supplies but also to bolster economies

Steven Beck

Trade finance increases women’s ability to fully participate in the global economy. Photo: Mimi Thian

The surprising link between trade finance and gender equality

To level the playing field in Asia and the Pacific, women-owned companies need financial backing to support their importing and exporting needs.

Steven Beck

Big data and other forms of digital technology are increasingly seen as a way to facilitate trade. Photo: Markus Spiske

More than just money: Digital technologies can help narrow the trade finance gap

Digital or financial technology – including mobile internet access, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data – can make international trade more efficient and support financing options.

Kijin Kim