One might consider a different target level than the global average for South Asia, because it may be difficult for low-income countries to reach the global average. Thus, we also consider the ASEAN average, as its member countries are largely more developed than South Asian countries, whereas their trade facilitation status is not as good as the global average, which also reflects the performance of industrialized countries. In this way, trade between ASEAN and South Asia has recently been increasing, partly due to their geographical proximity. .