Launch of the Joint Report “Digital Trade for Development”

7 Dec 2023 13:00h - 14:00h UTC

Table of contents

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Full session report

International bodies release joint report on digital trade and development opportunities

International organisations, including the IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, World Bank, and WTO, have collaboratively launched a comprehensive report on digital trade and its potential to foster development, particularly in developing countries. The report, unveiled during a panel discussion, scrutinises the multifaceted nature of digital trade and the necessary infrastructure, skills, and policies required to harness its benefits. It emphasises the need for reliable and affordable digital connectivity, the reduction of trade costs, and the creation of an enabling regulatory environment to spur on inclusive growth and resilience to economic shocks.

The report highlights the disparity in digital trade participation, noting that while digitally delivered services exports are growing globally, developing economies, especially least developed countries (LDCs), contribute minimally. This underscores the urgency for increased international cooperation and investment to bridge the digital divide. Aid for Trade commitments have risen, indicating a growing recognition of the need to support digital capacity in developing nations.

A key topic addressed is the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions, which has been in place since 1998. The report discusses the potential fiscal implications of lifting the moratorium, including the loss of customs revenue and the impact on the competitiveness of firms, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and women-owned businesses.

The panel also touched upon the importance of gender equality in digital trade, acknowledging that while women face unique challenges, digital platforms can offer them greater opportunities to engage in trade. A session dedicated to boosting women’s digital entrepreneurship was also highlighted, demonstrating a commitment to addressing gender disparities in the digital economy.

Throughout the discussion, the consensual nature of the report’s findings was emphasised, reflecting a unified stance among the diverse international organisations involved. The report’s recommendations and insights were presented as a collective voice, underscoring the importance of considering the document in its entirety rather than dismissing it based on individual disagreements.

Noteworthy observations from the panel discussion included the need to address market dominance by large tech companies, the role of competition policy in adapting to digital market structures, and the necessity for a holistic approach to policymaking that encompasses various regulatory domains. The report serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of international organisations to provide guidance and support for the development of digital trade, with the ultimate goal of achieving a more inclusive and equitable global trading system.

A

Audience

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166 words per minute

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1013 words

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365 secs

HA

H.E. Alfredo Suecum

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134 words per minute

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1284 words

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574 secs

JN

Julia Nielsen

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188 words per minute

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1600 words

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511 secs

MS

Martin Sommer

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278 words

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108 secs

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Pierre Sauve

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1494 words

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587 secs

RO

Ralph Ossa

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1722 words

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Shamika N. Sirimane

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406 secs