Assessment of Gender-Specific Challenges to Cross-Border Trade in Jordan

Research has shown that the expansion of international trade is essential for poverty reduction, and it provides better job opportunities and increased returns, particularly for women. Around the world, women may face more or different challenges than men that prevent them from fully participating in trade.

To better understand the trade facilitation environment in Jordan, this study aimed to identify specific barriers that women, firm-level traders face when undertaking cross-border trade. The World Bank undertook a survey of 530 women and men-led businesses and 134 customs clearing agents between July and October 2023.

While the study found that men heavily dominate the cross-border trade of merchandise goods in Jordan, the research underscores that the primary challenges faced by women-led businesses are not directly associated with official border processes and procedures. Though women-led businesses appear to be at a disadvantage in some areas related to trade facilitation, the gaps are not substantial. Further research is needed to identify why women do not engage in cross-border trade in the first place.

The gathered data offers valuable insights into areas where processes and procedures are operating effectively, as well as those that require improvement for the benefit of the trade community. The analysis was primarily focused on aspects related to the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement.

This summary note presents the main survey findings and a snapshot of recommendations for improving Jordan's trade facilitation environment.

Snapshot of recommendations

The following recommendations address both gender-specific issues and broader concerns in relation to border processes and procedures:

• Examine more deeply the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women in trade
• Improve access to official border regulations and procedures
• Enhance clarity of official requirements
• Increase awareness of pre-declaration procedures
• Eliminate paper declarations and spread awareness of the option to submit documentation electronically
• Establish official enquiry points in alignment with the TFA
• Fortify existing consultation mechanisms
• Increase awareness of the National Committee for Trade Facilitation and ensure robust representation from both men and women within its membership
• Increase regular engagement by traders in the Chambers
• Raise awareness of and simplify the application process for the preferred trader programs, targeting increased participation, especially among SMEs
• Enhance consistency in the implementation of border processes and procedures
• Identify and address reasons for delayed release of detained goods
• Provide clearer guidance and explanations on penalties, and ensure clarity of official grievance procedures
• Implement measures that enhance safety and security at the borders
• Develop sustainable funding and financial support instruments tailored to SMEs
• Encourage secure online payments for official fees to boost transparency, efficiency, and discourage gifts to officials

This study was financed by the World Bank's Jordan Growth Multi-Donor Trust Fund, which is co-chaired by the government of Jordan and supported by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Canada, Norway, and Germany.