Question 1

The application of new technologies in business is transforming the landscape of International Trade and pushing the frontiers of how business is done domestically, as well as internationally. While the borderless nature of the Internet is challenging many established trade practices, the increasing application of new technologies is giving rise to regulatory issues for which, current laws may not adequately to address. Many digital technologies are leveraged on the advancement of the Internet. Among those, blockchain is certainly one, which has gained much attention in the past decade and will continue to spark fierce debates in the years ahead. The potential benefits and gains arising from the application of blockchain is undoubtedly appealing. Yet, in this respect, it would be astute to take heed of an observation that was made by a senior analyst at the World Trade Organisation, that technology is no more than a tool in business. He maintained that a numberof regulatory issues would have to be addressed by policymakers, before the benefits of the Blockchain technology could be fully realised.

(a) Examine on the basis of the extant literature, the benefits that could be had from the application of Blockchain in Supply Chain settings. Provide at least two (2) examples, where the application of Blockchain has led (or will lead) to tangible Supply Chain effectiveness and efficiencies (Hint: SC effectiveness and efficiency may be demonstrated by a reduction of SC Cost, or an increase of Customer Service level). (b) The ubiquitous application of Blockchain (in Supply Chain settings) will eventually bring about an increased dependency of the businesses on Smart Contracts. Analyse the impact of Smart Contracts on the current legal framework, which regulates the practices of International Trade. Indicate in your analysis two (2) legal aspects that might require updating, in order to support the use of Smart Contracts in International Trade.