Empowering Trade in the World's Least Developed Countries Through Technology
The Role of Technology in Transforming Trade for Least Developed Countries Artificial intelligence and the adoption of frontier technologies are already reshaping global trade, creating new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity. These advancements have had a significant impact on developed economies and some developing nations, enabling more efficient digital exchanges, streamlined trade processes, and faster cross-border transactions through online platforms. However, the benefits of these technological innovations are not evenly distributed. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), developed economies currently account for roughly 74 percent of global trade. In contrast, the world's 44 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), home to an estimated 1.4 billion people, make up less than 1 percent of global merchandise trade. This disparity is exacerbated by increasing protectionist barriers, which continue to hinder the progress of LDCs. D...