This policy brief examines how regional trade systems are evolving beyond procedural simplification toward digital, sustainable and interoperable trade systems, aligned with the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Bangkok Goals. It highlights that APEC performs above the global average on the core dimensions of trade facilitation, achieving 87 percent, with member economies leading in the implementation of digital trade facilitation measures at 82 percent.

Key findings show that digitalisation and sustainability are mutually reinforcing. Trade digitalisation boosts efficiency and promotes sustainable resource use, while a full transition to a paperless trade scenario is associated with about a 5.6 percent reduction in trade costs. The brief also highlights that strategic APEC initiatives, such as the APEC Connectivity Blueprint and the Supply Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan, collectively support the region’s trade facilitation, digitalisation and sustainability objectives.