See Highlights from TradeTech Forum 2024
On February 27, 2024, the TradeTech Forum brought together 400 of the world’s foremost trade leaders and experts, ranging from trade officials and logistics providers to investors and academics.
"TradeTech is going to completely transform global trade, and the UAE is determined to be a global leader in its development and deployment. Our public and private sectors are already working together to pioneer bold new solutions that will make trade smarter, faster, and more accessible."
H.E. Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
Minister of State for Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates
"There is no doubt that the future of trade is inextricably linked to digital technologies. This ambitious journey requires a collective effort... As CEOs and industry leaders, I invite you to engage with policymakers to help develop trade rules that promote innovation, growth, and inclusiveness."
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director General, World Trade Organization
"If we can foster the right collaborations and partnerships, and help policymakers find the appropriate level of regulation that recognizes trade's cross-border nature, then technological innovation can substantially boost trade, investment, and services growth."
Mr. Børge Brende
President, World Economic Forum
"The digital divide is real - almost half of the world's population remains unconnected... but TradeTech can help address this issue. Solutions must be tailored to each country's unique needs and realities."
Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
"In the context of TradeTech, the private industry has created fast Ferraris. What we need now is a global highway, forged by international governmental collaboration."
Dr. José Viñals
Group Chairman, Standard Chartered
"Technology might not solve all challenges, but it can help supply chains adapt faster and smarter. For example, blockchain, robotics, AI, and the Internet of Things are being quickly adopted by businesses - providing immediate insights and streamlining manual processes."
Mr. Mahmood Al Bastaki
COO, Digital Trade Solutions, DP World
Keynote Speeches
- H.E. Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates
- Børge Brende, President, World Economic Forum
The Plenary Session, with opening speeches and the panel "How to Boost the TradeTech Ecosystem," is accessible here.
Panel Discussions
- How do we boost the TradeTech ecosystem? (Replay)
- Interviews: The Thinker, the Innovator and the Builder. (Replay)
- MC13 meets TradeTech: The Role of International Policies in advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Trade through Technology. (Replay)
- From Vision to Action: Building Coalitions for a Global TradeTech Boom. (Replay)
- Plenary: TradeTech Forum Insights & Outlook. (Replay)
Workshops
- Digitalizing Customs Procedures for Seamless Cross Border Transactions – by the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation
- Fintech Innovators in Trade Finance: Empowering Small Businesses
- Smart Logistics and Supply Chain Visibility
- Technology for Green Trade
Roundtable Discussions
- Enabling MSME Trade through technology and innovation – by ITC
- The Future of Trade: How Trusted AI will Drive Trade Transformation – by IBM
- From Documents to Data: Mapping the Pathway, Clearing the Hurdles - by ICC
- Use of new technologies and innovative solutions to improve Customs, enhance security and facilitate trade - by WCO
Bilateral Meetings and Networking Lunch
The TradeTech Forum drew a varied group of stakeholders, such as investors, regulators, technology providers, logistics companies, global traders, retailers, and academics. Participants included trade ministers, officials, tech entrepreneurs, and representatives from international organizations, enriching the discussions.
TradeTech Fair
The Following organizations hosted booths to discuss and showcase TradeTech solutions and opportunities:
- IBM
- IOTA
- Dorae
- Npontu
- logidoo
- Enigio AB
- Tradeteq Limited
- Networks Synergy
- 4FOLD Containers
- Trade4MSMEs (WTO)
- Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation
Solution Spotlights
Founders and CEOs from the following startups presented their innovative TradeTech Solutions:
- Pledge
- Dorae
- id4.trade
- MobyFly
- Distichain
- Empeiria
- Enigio AB
- Adrianople Group
- Jetstream Africa
- 4FOLD Containers
- Inclusive Trade UK
See their presentations here.
Book Launch
The book 'The Elgar Companion to the WTO', an extensive guide to the WTO, was globally launched at the TradeTech Forum, co-sponsored by Edward Elgar Publishing and others.
TLIP Collaboration Signing Ceremony
The World Economic Forum, TradeMark Africa, the IOTA Foundation, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, the Institute of Export and International Trade, and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation sealed a Collaboration Agreement during the TradeTech Forum. (Learn more)