International Trade and Finance
Executive summary
Bridging the digital readiness gap is not simply a development challenge, it is a prerequisite for inclusive and equitable participation in the global economy.
Conclusion: Combining descriptive and impact analysis
NTMs have a large impact on trade costs and due to their bilaterally divergent de facto impact on market access conditions, they have no most-favored nation nature but often disproportionately negatively affect smaller enterprises, vulnerable groups and poorer economies (UNCTAD, 2022).
GEMS conceptual framework
GEMS aims to measure the maturity of government services provided through portals and mobile applications in Arab countries.
GEMS results at the national level
The following section presents the detailed results for each member State that provided data for the GEMS 2024, and offers country-specific suggestions based on these results.
Improving policymaking to foster a thriving e-commerce environment
The eTrade Readiness Assessments (eT Readies) of UNCTAD have catalysed the development of action plans and e-commerce strategies in more than 40 developing countries and contributed to regional frameworks, especially in Africa and the Pacific.
Introduction
Non-tariff measures (NTMs) play a crucial role in shaping international trade. While tariffs remain important instruments of trade policy, NTMs increasingly play a prominent role in determining market access and trade costs.
Foreword
In an era in which digital transformation is fast reshaping the global economy, having the ability to harness the potential of e-commerce and digital trade is essential for developing countries.
Introduction
Indigenous Peoples represent an important and diverse global population.
Acknowledgements
This strategy paper was written under the supervision of Robertha Reid, Senior Advisor, Office of the Executive Director, and René Alarcón, Senior Trade Promotion Officer, Office of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Stakeholder engagement and partnership
The successful implementation of the IPT Strategy requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach, engaging a diverse range of stakeholders across multiple levels.
Acknowledgements
The Trade and Development Report 2025 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was prepared by a report team led by Anastasia Nesvetailova, of the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies.
Explanatory notes
The analysis presented in the present report is consistent with information and data available as at 10 November 2025.