The report recounts that trade is a major sector in the global economy and a key driver of its growth. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, commerce has globally weakened with a possible indication of the global economy deteriorating.

Experts suggest that retail sector should opt to going digital, as a means to sustaining themselves and strengthening the economy. The UAE is already leading on this, having its digital economy contribute to 4.3 per cent of the nation’s GDP; adding that Dubai’s e-commerce industry is set to reach AED 12 billion of local GDP by 2023.