Advancing Digital Trade 2025

Main findings The testing demonstrated significant operational gains from digital documentation: –Processing time reduction: The testing reduced the existing five-to-10-day documentation timelines to a few hours, which improved traders’ access to financing. –Cost reduction: The project demonstrated the potential of cutting of documentation costs from $50–100 per document to almost nothing – savings that could benefit SMEs in particular. –Enhanced liquidity: The pilot reduced the time to realize cash flow from one month to three days and increased importers’ and exporters’ access to working capital. –Robust compliance: Credore validated that the digital documents were legally sound under MLETR and interoperable across jurisdictions. –Operational readiness: The project demonstrated compatibility with legacy financial and shipping systems, easing potential adoption.Regulatory takeaways The project revealed that the technical infrastructure for MLETR-compliant documentation is mature and ready for deployment. However, uncertainty related to regulatory frameworks beyond the ADGM remains a limiting factor in expanding access to the project’s gains. While the ADGM has taken a leadership role in MLETR adoption, broader UAE-wide and international recognition is needed to realize the full benefits of digital trade documentation. Credore has proposed a live pilot programme for MLETR-compliant digital documentation in the UAE–India trade corridor, and the project would involve coordination with additional regulatory agencies, financial institutions, exporters, importers and shippers. Credore BOX 3 Company background: Based in India, Credore digitalizes trade documentation and streamlines access to trade finance by creating MLETR- compliant electronic transferable records. Its platform enables secure, tamper-proof digital documents that reduce the time and cost associated with paper-based trade. Main technology features: –Blockchain-based documentation with full traceability –Secure digital documents to ensure authenticity, possession, endorsement and revocation –Integration with global partners –Real-time trade finance workflows linked to logistics milestones Testing focus: In the sandbox, Credore collaborated with the FSRA to test MLETR- compliant digital bills of lading and promissory notes, validating time and cost savings while enabling faster financing through real-time digital trade infrastructure. Advancing Digital Trade: Insights from the UAE TradeTech Regulatory Sandbox 10