Trade Facilitation Issues in South Asia

Commissioned by SACEPS and ADB, this study identifies the major trade facilitation related issues affecting intra-regional trade in South Asia. In doing so, a survey was carried out among 53 exporting companies and 38 importing companies in 5 South Asian countries – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, to assess the documentation needs, trading times and other barriers in exporting and importing. The study also draws a road map for trade facilitation in SAARC based on regional experiences and identified best practices.