This document discusses how blockchain can transform the global trade ecosystem by taking costs out, improving efficiencies, and increasing accessibility. It notes current challenges like siloed processes, paper documentation, and physical contracts. It then describes how a blockchain network involves regulators, developers, operators, and users. IBM's blockchain architecture is explained as being built from the ground up for business with features like permission, privacy, auditability. Finally, it argues blockchain could help various trade participants like banks, logistics companies, ports, and insurers by streamlining processes like invoices, letters of credit, bills of lading, and compliance checks.