Asia & Middle East

Asia and the Middle East are important contributors to international trade due to their varied economies and manufacturing capabilities, accounting for over 43% of global goods exports in 2021. Asia is home to major economies like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Economies in the region are key exporters of manufacturing products such as electronics, automotive, textiles, information technology services, and pharmaceuticals. The Middle East is a key supplier of energy resources, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar exporting fuels and mining products. Additionally, the Middle East has developed infrastructure and logistics hubs, such as Dubai and Doha, that facilitate trade flows between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Several economies within Asia and the Middle East have signed various intra-regional trade agreements, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as agreements with several countries and territories outside the region including the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These agreements promote regional integration and reduce trade barriers, fostering economic growth and trade diversification.

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    Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation: Global Report 2025

    This report presents the results of the sixth United Nations (UN) Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation with targeted SME questions.

    Source: United Nations , 2025

    Policymakers: Goods, Border Procedures & Trade Facilitation, Africa, Asia & Middle East, Europe, North America, Oceania, South & Central America and the Caribbean,
    This report presents the results of the sixth United Nations (UN) Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation with targeted SME questions.
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    Integrating SMEs in Authorized Economic Operator Certification: Improving SME Participation in APEC Secure Trade

    This report reviews  AEO implementation in the APEC region, including AEO certificiton barriers.

    Source: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), 2021

    Policymakers: Goods, Border Procedures & Trade Facilitation, Asia & Middle East, North America, Oceania,
    This report reviews  AEO implementation in the APEC region, including AEO certificiton barriers.
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    A Guide on Adoption of Cross-border Electronic Invoicing

    The guide provides options for CPTA members to implement interoperable e-invoicing systems that can connect domestic and cross-border trade flows.

    Source: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), 2025

    Policymakers: Goods, Services, Border Procedures & Trade Facilitation, Digital Trade & E-Commerce, Asia & Middle East, Oceania,
    The guide provides options for CPTA members to implement interoperable e-invoicing systems that can connect domestic and cross-border trade flows.
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    The TradeTech Paradox: Connectivity Amid Fragmentation

    Digital technologies are connecting markets in new ways, creating a paradox of unprecedented connectivity amid growing fragmentation. Concrete examples of SMEs throughout the report demonstrate how emerging technologies are already enabling new efficiencies and inclusion across the trade ecosystem.

    Source: World Economic Forum (WEF), 2026

    Policymakers: Goods, Services, Digital Trade & E-Commerce, Asia & Middle East, North America, South & Central America and the Caribbean,
    Digital technologies are connecting markets in new ways, creating a paradox of unprecedented connectivity amid growing fragmentation. Concrete examples of SMEs throughout the report demonstrate how emerging technologies are already enabling new efficiencies and inclusion across the trade ecosystem.
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    Engaging Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in International Standards Development

    This report presents project outcomes aimed at highlighting the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participating in the development of international standards and strengthening the capacity of APEC economies to promote such participation.

    Source: APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2026

    Policymakers: Goods, Services, Regulation & Standards, Asia & Middle East, North America, South & Central America and the Caribbean,
    This report presents project outcomes aimed at highlighting the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participating in the development of international standards and strengthening the capacity of APEC economies to promote such participation.
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    Arab Creative Market platform

    A digital mall empowering Arab creatives, and enriching culture. Discover a rich tapestry of creative Arab businesses in one central hub.

    Source: UNESCWA

    Businesses: Goods, Asia & Middle East,

    A digital mall empowering Arab creatives, and enriching culture. Discover a rich tapestry of creative Arab businesses in one central hub.

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    Doing Business in Hong Kong, China – Chartered Institute of Exports

    This handbook from the Chartered Institute of Exports and International Trade provides insights for those already operating in Hong Kong,  China but is mostly focused on those looking to do business in Hong Kong, China for the first time, offering guidance and support, with a steer on key issues to consider. Whether you aim to use it as a market to export into, plan to set up an office there, or want to start a new business in Hong Kong, China this handbook should have something to help.

    Source: The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, 2024

    Businesses: Goods, Services, Export Potential, Asia & Middle East,
    This handbook from the Chartered Institute of Exports and International Trade provides insights for those already operating in Hong Kong,  China but is mostly focused on those looking to do business in Hong Kong, China for the first time, offering guidance and support, with a steer on key issues to consider. Whether you aim to use it as a market to export into, plan to set up an office there, or want to start a new business in Hong Kong, China this handbook should have something to help.
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    Gender Dimensions of Cross-Border Trade in Tajikistan

    This survey aims to quantify the exact nature of challenges women cross-border traders face at the firm-level in Tajikistan. The World Bank Group undertook a survey of 401 cross-border trade firms and 31 customs brokers between March and November 2022.

    Source: World Bank Group, 2023

    Policymakers: Goods, Gender and Trade, Asia & Middle East,
    This survey aims to quantify the exact nature of challenges women cross-border traders face at the firm-level in Tajikistan. The World Bank Group undertook a survey of 401 cross-border trade firms and 31 customs brokers between March and November 2022.
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    Trade Facilitation Challenges for Women Traders and Customs Brokers in the Philippines

    To identify the specific challenges that men and women face in cross-border trade and determine where further reforms can be made, the World Bank Group completed the Trade and Gender Study in the Philippines. Over 2,000 traders and customs brokers were interviewed.

    Source: World Bank Group, 2022

    Policymakers: Goods, Gender and Trade, Asia & Middle East,
    To identify the specific challenges that men and women face in cross-border trade and determine where further reforms can be made, the World Bank Group completed the Trade and Gender Study in the Philippines. Over 2,000 traders and customs brokers were interviewed.
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    Asian Trade Centre

    This is the homepage of Asian Trade Centre, the premier regional thought leader, advocate, and educator for trade in Asia.

    Source: Asian Trade Centre

    Businesses: Policymakers: Goods, Services, International Organization, Asia & Middle East,
    This is the homepage of Asian Trade Centre, the premier regional thought leader, advocate, and educator for trade in Asia.
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    2020 ADB Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor Volume 1: Country and Regional Reviews

    This volume reviews micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia. It provides data and analysis as a resource for evidence-based policy design on MSME development.

    Source: Asian Development Bank, 2020

    Policymakers: Goods, Services, Border Procedures & Trade Facilitation, Capacity Building, Asia & Middle East,
    This volume reviews micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia. It provides data and analysis as a resource for evidence-based policy design on MSME development.
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    APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG)

    This is the website of APEC’s Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group who works to encourage the development of SMEs and to build their capacity to engage in international trade.

    Source: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

    Businesses: Policymakers: Goods, Services, Capacity Building, International Organization, Asia & Middle East,
    This is the website of APEC’s Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group who works to encourage the development of SMEs and to build their capacity to engage in international trade.