Every day, fleets of huge ships dock in ports over the world and every hour, a plane carrying cargo lands, in one country or another. With every docking and landing, a stack of paperwork will need to be processed. Whilst this practice has been the standard process adopted by governments and countries for decades, the cost of processing trade documents still remains high.

Based on figures released by the World Economic Forum, the cost of processing the paperwork for shipped goods, can reach as much as one fifth of the cost of shipping the actual goods. Many institutions, including banks and technology companies, are trying to streamline this process, as the benefits are numerous. Experts indicate that simplifying the administrative procedures can actually lead to notable growth in international trade.

Apps, technological innovation & block chain solutions are simplifying procedures of shipping goods.

In comes digitization, which is already underway in the trade sector. Apps, projects, technological innovation and even block chain solutions are simplifying the once complex administrative procedures of shipping goods. Electronic-based documentation lowers costs, simplifies workflow, and takes up less time in terms of analysis and storing. Depending on the electronic documents along with the use of standardized ID numbers for transactions, traders can benefit from a smoother process, expand to new markets and deal with new clients, with less requirements when it comes to due diligence, collecting and tracking credit, performance and commercial dispute data.

The advantages of digitizing the trade sector are clear, but will governments and private institutions move fast enough?