The report provides a wealth of new data and includes a summary of key findings, as well as recommendations on how to address the main obstacles identified.
Select findings
In some areas, the cross-border trade barriers were commonly experienced by all respondents, regardless of gender. For example:
Over one-third of customs brokers and almost half of the traders reported that official regulations and processes are not easy to understand. Finding comprehensive information across border agencies, among other issues, was reported to be a key challenge.
Despite efforts by the government to increase engagement with the private sector, 87 percent of traders and 70 percent of customs brokers say they have never been or are not regularly consulted on changes to processes and procedures related to trade.
Less than a quarter of traders are aware of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC).
Despite these common challenges, the survey did point to some areas that disproportionally impact women. Examples include:
More women customs brokers have difficulties when looking for information on official regulations and procedures and understanding it compared to men. Fewer women customs brokers found information related to changes to border processes and procedures as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic to be clear and easy to understand.
Almost half of the men customs brokers are aware of the Local Commissions on Trade Facilitation¡¯s (COLFACs) compared to less than one-third of women.
Interestingly, the survey also identified a few areas in which more men are disproportionally impacted. For example:
Fewer men than women traders believe that border processes are consistently implemented by border officials.
Of the traders that go to the airport, seaport, and land border posts, more men than women have experienced verbal harassment or threats and intimidation.
