Nations Unite to Advance Cross-Border Data Sharing and Sustainability

Amid the global surge in digital transformation and sustainable development, the Asia Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (AFACT) continues to play a pivotal role in fostering international collaboration. Last week, the 2024 AFACT Annual Meeting concluded successfully in Seoul, South Korea. Hosted by Korea, the event welcomed delegates from Australia, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and more. The meeting delved into the latest developments in cross-border digital trade, data exchange, and sustainable development, showcasing innovative national achievements in data sharing, trade facilitation, and environmental sustainability. These efforts aim to bolster the digital transformation of the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to the sustainable development of global supply chains.

Following Taiwan and Japan's co-hosting of the 2023 AFACT Annual Meeting, Korea took the lead this year, hosting the event in Seoul to deepen digital cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and advance the latest standards for cross-border trade.

National Innovations Spotlighted

• Korea's Innovations in Logistics Management
  Korea showcased advancements in logistics management, leveraging IoT, drones, and AI technologies integrated with UN/CEFACT data standards. These innovations enable seamless data transmission and tracking, revolutionizing global logistics management.

• Japan's Focus on Trade Data Interoperability
  Japan presented its progress in enhancing the interoperability of import-export trade data. Japan has significantly reduced payment processing times by optimizing document review processes across finance, commerce, and transportation using UN/CEFACT standards.

• India’s e-Signature System
  India introduced its e-signature system based on the AADHAAR framework, which combines OTP and biometric authentication. With its OpenAPI architecture, the system expands application scenarios, improving operational efficiency and business collaboration.

Taiwan's Contributions to ESG and Digital Certification

Taiwan leveraged its technological strengths in the semiconductor supply chain to address the growing global demand for ESG transparency and sustainability. Taiwan actively promotes global sustainability by establishing cross-border carbon emissions data platforms to enhance transparency and support supply chain decarbonization.

At the meeting, Taiwan’s Institute for Information Industry (III) led the participation of blockchain company Turing Space, which showcased innovations in digital certification. Using blockchain's transparency and immutability, Taiwan enables the digitization and international recognition of certificates and data, enhancing efficiency and security. This achievement garnered significant attention from attending delegates.

A Call for Collaborative Action

As a key player in the international supply chain, Taiwan has actively participated in global organizations to advance digital trade and cross-border data exchange, providing forward-looking technological support. III President Dr. Cho Cheng-Hung emphasized Taiwan's responsibility and commitment as a core member of the global supply chain. He highlighted Taiwan’s advanced technology and manufacturing expertise as crucial to promoting the green transformation of global supply chains.

Dr. Cho urged collaboration between industry and government to reduce carbon emissions and achieve the 2050 net-zero emissions goal. He reiterated Taiwan’s dedication to leadership in cross-border data exchange resilience and green transformation, working with global partners toward a more sustainable future.