Western Balkans countries on the way towards accelerating digital channels of trade through Single Window and Data Sharing

Almost two years into the Covid-19 pandemic the digitalization of transport and trade data flows is on top of the economic agenda. In response, UNECE organized its 4th workshop on trade facilitation, Single Window, and data sharing for the Western Balkans, in cooperation with the Customs Administration of North Macedonia, the World Bank, the European Commission, UNCTAD/ASYCUDA, and CEFTA and others. The Single Window allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single-entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements, according to the recommendations of the UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), a UNECE subsidiary body.

After global GDP fell by 4.3% in 2020 because of the pandemic, in 2021, practically all countries demonstrated impressive growth figures. According to the January 2022 IMF World Economic Outlook, world economic output grew by 5.9% in 2021 and by 6.5% in Emerging and Developing Europe, to which the Western Balkans belong. Yet expectations for 2022 are more sober: 4.4% for the world and 3.5% for emerging and developing Europe. This situation creates new risks of inflation and increased inequalities.

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