Closing The Gap

How digitization is accelerating international trade

Digital Cross-Border Trade Post-COVID:Paperless, Logistics Tech | Economic Empowerment | GZERO Media

How did the pandemic facilitate cross-border trade?

It certainly helped move things along more efficiently in two ways, Nextrade Group founder and CEO Kati Suominen says during a livestream conversation on closing the global digital gap hosted by GZERO in partnership with Visa.

First, customs agencies in many countries (finally!) went paperless — a huge help for small businesses. Second, COVID accelerated the move toward logistics tech innovations like data-driven route optimization or drone delivery that make it easier and faster to deliver stuff.

Suominen hopes that governments continue the trend and that "we continue plowing forward" on digital cross-border trade.

More For You

- YouTube

In his latest “ask ian,” Ian Bremmer says the fight for Senate control is driving Democrats to make tough political tradeoffs as primary season unfolds.

- YouTube

In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer says the Iran ceasefire is “holding on by a thread” as renewed strikes and proxy attacks undermine hopes for a broader deal.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attends a Civil Contract party campaign rally ahead of the June 7 parliamentary election in Yerevan, Armenia June 5, 2026.
Hayk Baghdasaryan/Photolure via REUTERS

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has won a commanding election victory on a pro-Western platform, cementing the country's pivot away from Moscow with fresh deals signed with Washington this year.