
UNCTAD Policy Brief No. 93, Emerging strategies for ports during the pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on humankind and on global commerce. Ports and port communities have experienced major changes to normal operating environments.
The strategies used by ports to remain open and continue to facilitate sustainable economic development throughout the pandemic may provide useful lessons for policymakers, particularly in relation to the protocols and innovative measures that have been employed to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the movement of imports and exports as well as ships’ crew and essential port workers.
Key points:
- Ports are essential facilitators of world trade
- Public health advice is crucial in mitigating the impact of pandemics
- Government policy and regulation is required to support port operations during pandemics

UNCTAD/ASYCUDA COVID-19 Customs Administration Survey
The fully automated environment provided by ASYCUDAWorld affords customs, cross-border agencies, and traders with the capacity to electronically submit and exchange data and documentation and computerize procedures. This enables the expediting of the clearance of imports, exports, transit trade, and other trade transactions, thereby greatly reducing the need for face-to-face interaction.
Ports in the Fight against COVID-19
Port Responsiveness in the fight against the “invisible” threat: COVID-19