Strengthening Traceability for Sustainable Trade
Last week in Melbourne, we convened a series of roundtable discussions as part of the APEC project Supporting SMEs to Utilise Traceability Technologies for More Sustainable Trade. These sessions brought together delegates from a range of industries and across APEC member economies to explore practical pathways for enhancing traceability, resilience, and strategic connectivity in global supply chains.
Key insights from the discussions:
- SMEs are often unaware of existing traceability technologies, and many lack the capacity to assess which tools are fit-for-purpose.
- There’s a need for clearer guidance on how traceability supports market access – especially around compliance, certification, and buyer expectations.
- Delegates recognised that traceability can be a useful tool to promote trust in trade, and called for practical examples that show how traceability can be scaled affordably and incrementally.
- The role of government is pivotal – not just in setting standards, but in convening stakeholders and supporting capability development.
- AI is emerging as a critical enabler of MSME competitiveness, offering scalable solutions for inventory management, customer engagement, and market analysis – and presenting new pathways for digital entrepreneurship.
- Cross-border collaboration was seen as essential, with participants urging APEC economies to share lessons and align approaches.
- Traceability should be framed as a strategic enabler, not a compliance burden – especially when linked to sustainability, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
- Sustainability efforts require shared responsibility across all actors in the supply chain – from producers to retailers – throughout the full lifecycle of the product.
- Market entry, including via e-commerce, demands a nuanced understanding of local culture, consumer expectations, and industry structures to ensure relevance and uptake.
- Choosing the right payment systems and managing foreign exchange risk is critical for MSMEs operating on tight margins, especially when engaging in cross-border trade.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for your insights, candour, and commitment to shaping actionable outcomes. Your contributions helped surface real-world challenges and opportunities that will inform the next phase of this important work.
We extend our appreciation to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose funding of this project and support of other initiatives continue to enable meaningful collaboration across the region.
Let’s build the momentum toward more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable trade systems.
ALTIOS International WorldFirst Sinorbis Coface Antap International Pty Ltd
