Trade facilitation and logistics

In terms of logistics, last-mile delivery continues to pose a challenge for e-commerce development. The eT Readies have shown how physical address systems in general remain underdeveloped, particularly outside main urban areas, while the time and cost of deliveries in remote areas remain unattractive to sustain e-commerce growth. Efforts have been undertaken in parallel with several initiatives, from both the public and private sectors, to improve the e-commerce logistics services and supply chain infrastructure. One example of such initiatives has been the ambitious project to establish and extend reliable addressing systems in which many countries assessed are now involved. Nevertheless, to facilitate cross-border e-commerce greater impetus is needed to spearhead implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, a recognized enabler for e-commerce development (see Figure 9). The overall implementation rate combining all 13 countries’ implemented recommendations in this policy area is 51 per cent.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure