A Case of Implementing Trade Facilitation Measures in LDCs

The paper makes a case for implementing trade facilitation measures in LDCs that would provide opportunities for expanding supply-side capacity and trade-related infrastructure; allowing them to take greater advantage of trade liberalization. This can potentially help to break the cycle of low productivity and investment that hinder economic expansion and competitiveness. The time it takes to import a container in Africa (37 days) versus East Asia (22 days) reveals the competitive edge that Trade Facilitation is capable of providing.