As countries adopt radical measures to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control, international trade and transport systems are under tremendous stress.

Early evidence shows that international trade is collapsing, threatening access to goods and critical supplies.

In response to the , a new UNCTAD policy brief outlines a ten-point action plan to help industries involved in the movement of goods keep free-flowing trade afloat during the COVID-19 crisis and its aftermath.

UNCTAD proposes 10 policy measures to cover maritime transport, customs operations, transit, transparency and legal issues, as well as technology to enhance paperless trade processes. The plan calls for policies that:

1. Ensure uninterrupted shipping

2. Keep ports open

3. Protect international trade of critical goods and speed up customs clearance and trade facilitation

4. Facilitate cross-border transport

5. Ensure the right of transit

6. Safeguard transparency and up-to-date information

7. Promote paperless systems

8. Address early-on legal implications for commercial parties

9. Protect shippers and transport service providers alike

10. Prioritize technical assistance

Source & full text: UNCTAD