World Trade Organisation members are stepping up discussions on digital industrialization and technology transfer to boost global e-commerce.
At a recent meeting under the Work Programme on E-commerce, they examined ways to bridge the digital divide, enhance connectivity, and empower developing economies to thrive in the digital marketplace.
The WTO reported that members identified key enablers of digital industrialization, such as strong digital and physical infrastructure, connectivity, regulatory frameworks, and digital skills development.
It stated the discussions focused on how regional cooperation and international partnerships can drive technology transfer, enhance cybersecurity, improve payment services, and support capacity building in developing economies.
“The WTO’s role in fostering digital trade through collaboration with development partners and financial institutions was a major point of discussion,” it noted.
The WTO noted that members emphasized the importance of identifying technologies to bridge digital gaps and creating financing opportunities to help small and medium-sized enterprises access global digital markets.
The WTO noted that members emphasized the importance of identifying technologies to bridge digital gaps and creating financing opportunities to help small and medium-sized enterprises access global digital markets.
“Members emphasised the need for technical assistance tailored to address country-specific challenges in e-commerce governance and policy implementation,” WTO stated.
Ambassador Richard Brown of Jamaica, the meeting’s facilitator, announced plans for consultations in June to gather members’ recommendations ahead of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).
He also confirmed that the next dedicated session in April will focus on AI and frontier technologies in e-commerce.
