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How Technology Can Help Global Trade Become More Efficient, Inclusive and Equitable

Apr 18, 2023 - 07:33 AM Author - Axios Credit Bank

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Supply chain management has become more difficult as supply chains have grown increasingly interconnected. Furthermore, regionalization and the need for optimization have been sparked by external variables such as market instability, pandemic-induced changes, and heightened awareness of the environmental impact of supply chains. To make International Trade finance more effective, inclusive, and equitable, this has interestingly prompted the development of Trade Finance Service to aid small and medium-sized enterprises and other stakeholders in concentrating on supply chain resilience.

These cutting-edge innovations facilitate buy-and-sell discovery platforms and the internal communication and interoperability of service providers such as trade financiers, insurance providers, and logistics firms. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), technology can simplify, broaden, and make fairer international trade.

Funding for Global Commerce

When financial institutions like banks issue financial instruments like Bank Guarantee and letters of credit to importers and exporters, this is known as International Trade finance. International trade finance includes importers, exporters, banks, and specialized finance companies.

Intelligent Supply Networks

Many small businesses are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions, allowing for the more advanced supply chain management. Models for predicting future demand, end-to-end transparency, dynamic planning optimization for inventory control, and automated process optimization for waste reduction are all part of the picture. To construct prediction models and conduct correlation analysis, each of these factors is essential for identifying the drivers and moderators of supply chain performance.

Following the supply chain crisis, more small and medium-sized businesses have committed to utilizing cutting-edge technologies to provide scalable, user-friendly digital experiences for their staff and customers. From providing staff with cloud-based tools to complete mundane chores to establishing information systems that provide real-time insights on port call estimations, businesses are coming up with novel ways to manage their supply chains.

Blockchain

Shipment and transaction records pertaining to items' cost, date, location, quality, and certification can be more easily recorded with the help of a blockchain-powered supply chain. Reputation is bolstered as a result of increased supply chain transparency, better traceability and compliance, and lower administrative expenses. This assures the safety of all digital data transfers along the supply chain and ensures that all parties involved have access to the same data.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can connect with external players in the ecosystem for smooth communication thanks to blockchain and AI technologies that reduce the need for paper documents such as receipts, invoices, tax forms, contracts, financial reports, etc.

IoT

An IoT inventory system keeps constant tabs on stock levels for several crucial components to facilitate business choices and forestall shortages. The efficiency of today's supply chains depends on a wide range of machines, and IoT sensors can be used to evaluate various operational indicators. In the supply chain, for instance, predictive maintenance helps firms take action before potential breakdowns, thereby increasing the lifespan of the equipment in question.

Digital Payments

Due to the large number of interdependent parties involved in conventional Trade Finance Service and supply chain activities, confirming and reconciling data can be a time-consuming process. Although the frequency of such payments varies, the timeliness of payment is sometimes impacted by the need for human verification of information. Distributed ledgers are helpful because they function as trustworthy shared databases where all users can access identical data copies. When a payment is received, or a shipment is registered, the information is promptly authenticated, made visible to all parties involved in the supply chain, and updated.

Cloud Computing

With the help of optimized supply chain cloud platforms, stakeholders such as importers, exporters, insurance providers, transport carriers, etc., may better communicate and adhere to globally standardized procedures.

Tech-Based Logistics

For instance, smart packaging solutions meet the need for secure shipping by allowing for product tracking and providing information on delivery partners' and shippers' warehouses. Furthermore, such initiatives typically aid businesses in increasing sales and decreasing costs by enhancing vital logistics processes, decreasing theft, and minimizing trash.

What Role Does Trade Financing Play in Mitigating Risk?

Trade financing can assist in reducing uncertainty when the financial requirements of an exporter and an importer are at odds. An exporter would prefer an up-front payment from the importer to avoid dealing with an unpaid export shipment. However, the exporter will only release the goods if the importer has already paid for them.

The issuing Bank Guarantee payment to the exporter upon satisfactory evidence of shipment and fulfilment of other terms of the Letter of Credit arrangement.

Bank Guarantee serve a significant role in promoting international trade by reducing the risks involved with the failure of a contract, a supplier's inability to perform as agreed, or a buyer's failure to pay for products.

Conclusion

The importance of global supply chains needs to be stressed, especially considering how interconnected the globe is. Applying trade-tech solutions like those discussed above will continue to find a position in international trade. They are a digital part of the future of the trading ecosystem, which is moving toward efficiency, inclusivity, and equity.