The Technological Challenges Facing Developing Countries in the Move to Paperless International Trade

Abstract

Paperless international trade is imminent. Undoubtedly, a gap between the technological capabilities of developed and developing countries is evident in all aspects of society, but more particularly in information and communications. The international business community is now divided not only on economic lines but also on technology lines: developed and developing, hi-tech and low-tech. The technology gap has grave implications for paperless international trade transacting, and that is what this article considers. The article looks at the causes and nature of the information technology (IT) gap and the problems it poses for paperless international trade.