WTO to Boost E-commerce Via Tech Transfer

World Trade Organization (WTO)members ramp up talks on digital industrialization and tech transfer to bolster global e-commerce.

At a recent Work Programme on E-commerce meeting, WTO members discussed bridging the digital divide, improving connectivity, and empowering developing economies for success in the digital marketplace.

They highlighted essential factors for digital industrialization, including robust infrastructure, connectivity, regulatory frameworks, and digital skills development.

Discussions also focused on regional cooperation and global partnerships to enable technology transfer, enhance cybersecurity, improve payment systems, and build capacity in developing economies.

The WTO’s role in advancing digital trade through partnerships with development agencies and financial institutions was a key focus.

Members emphasized the need to identify technologies to close digital gaps and secure funding for small and medium-sized enterprises to enter global digital markets.

The WTO noted that AI’s impact on e-commerce was a key topic, with concerns over data protection, intellectual property, and regulatory challenges.

The WTO stated that members stressed the need for technical assistance tailored to country-specific challenges in e-commerce governance and policy implementation.

Ambassador Richard Brown of Jamaica, the meeting’s facilitator, announced plans for June consultations to gather recommendations for the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).

He also confirmed that the April session will focus on AI and frontier technologies in e-commerce.

In May, WTO members will meet again to discuss the ongoing moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions, a subject of continued debate.