DECIG Seminar: April 2025

Introducing the Business Ready International Trade Indicators

Alexander Beyleveld (World Bank Group), Varun Eknath (World Bank Group), Nuno Mendes dos Santos (World Bank Group)

Presenters:

Alexander Beyleveld, Varun Eknath, and Nuno Mendes dos Santos

Time:

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

10:00am – 11:00am  (ET)

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Abstract

Link to paper

The Business Ready (B-READY) International Trade (BR-IT) indicators provide a comprehensive assessment of the business environment for international trade. This set of indicators substantially expands beyond Doing Business’s Trading across Borders approach. BR-IT evaluates regulatory quality, public services, and operational efficiency, and covers trade in goods, services, and digital trade. Findings from B-READY 2024 reveal key disparities in performance on international trade across and within income levels. While higher-income economies tend to score better, notable exceptions demonstrate that effective trade facilitation policies and public service provision can enhance trade environments regardless of income. The data also highlight a widespread "public services gap," where weak trade-related public services fail to leverage otherwise relatively stronger regulatory frameworks. Additionally, high operational efficiency scores suggest firm adaptability in navigating trade barriers, though challenges remain, particularly in lower-income economies. The BR-IT indicators offer valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and researchers to foster a more dynamic, resilient, and equitable global trade landscape.

For other information, please contact ikoval1@worldbank.org