Trade finance has been undergoing a digital revolution for decades. But the advancement of new technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) have accelerated this. A recent 2020 study by TFG and WTO shows 12 initiatives using DLT in trade finance (both open account and documentary trade).

The age old problem of document digitization in trade has probably been around since goods were traded using stone tablets in the Mesopotamian era. So who’s making a dent using blockchain / distributed ledger technology? From the updated WTO / TFG periodic table of projects in trade, we reveal 12 projects tackling this head on.

A crucial step towards end-to-end trade digitalization is creating an ecosystem that allows for seamless exchanges of data between existing platforms. A recent study from the WTO and TFG highlights 19 initiatives and the recent developments which are working towards digital standards for trade.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a second national lockdown for England as the country looks to bring down the rate of coronavirus infections.

The OECD predicted that globally, immigration will fall 46% this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and economic weakness.

With rising new cases and tighter social distancing restrictions, the strong summer recovery is likely to fade into an uncertain and weak autumn.

How can SME Climate Hub create an ecosystem to enable SMEs to leverage climate action as a powerful means of increasing their competitive advantage and help in accelerating the race to a net-zero future?

This is not the time to be imposing trade sanctions, it is the time to be lifting trade restrictions and easing tariffs on essential goods. – Simon Paris

Ian Sayers, ITCs Senior Adviser for Access to Financing takes a closer look and explains how they may support ITCs work to improve conditions for the continent’s MSMEs.

The UK economy grew by 2.1% in August. The slower growth leaves UK activity 9.2% below its level in February.