The recently released Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) has highlighted India’s remarkable progress in trade facilitation. Conducted every two years, the 2023 survey evaluated 60 trade facilitation measures across more than 140 economies. India’s exceptional performance in several key areas has positioned it as a leader in global trade facilitation efforts.
India’s Exceptional Progress:
- Perfect Scores in Key Areas: The UNESCAP survey recognized India’s outstanding achievements, with the country receiving a perfect score of 100% in four crucial areas: Transparency, Formalities, Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation, and Paperless Trade. These scores demonstrate India’s commitment to enhancing transparency, streamlining formalities, establishing effective institutional frameworks, and promoting paperless trade.
- Digital Initiatives for Trade Facilitation: India’s Customs department has implemented several digital initiatives to transform trade facilitation. Programs like Turant Customs, Single Window Interface for Facilitation of Trade (SWIFT), Pre-Arrival data processing, and e-Sanchit have played a significant role in enabling paperless, contactless, and faceless trade. These initiatives have streamlined processes, reduced bureaucracy, and improved efficiency.
Impressive Overall Performance:
- Leading Global Trade Facilitation Efforts: India’s remarkable score of 93.55% in the 2023 survey positions it at the forefront of global trade facilitation efforts. This score demonstrates India’s commitment to implementing measures that enhance the ease of doing business and promote international trade.
- Progress in Women’s Inclusion: The survey noted a substantial improvement in India’s score for the “Women in Trade Facilitation” component, rising from 66.7% in 2021 to an impressive 77.8% in 2023. This improvement reflects India’s efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in trade-related activities.
- Best Performing Country in South Asia: India’s exceptional performance has placed it as the best performing country in the South Asia region. The country’s commitment to trade facilitation has not only strengthened its own economy but also contributed to regional development and cooperation.
Recognition and Achievement:
- Outperforming Developed Countries: India’s overall score in trade facilitation surpassed many developed countries, including Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This recognition highlights India’s significant progress in adopting digital and sustainable trade facilitation measures.
About UNESCAP:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1947, UNESCAP serves as an inclusive intergovernmental platform, consisting of 53 member countries and 9 associate members. India is an active member of this organization. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, UNESCAP focuses on addressing the region’s challenges by providing practical projects, technical assistance, and capacity building to member states.