APEC voluntary consumer protection guidelines for the online environment

Summary

The speech highlights APEC’s role in promoting economic growth, particularly in electronic commerce, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the private sector and governments. APEC, which accounts for half of world trade, operates on a basis of voluntarism and consensus, with significant private sector involvement through the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). Key priorities include supporting the multilateral trading system, energy security, climate change, and regional economic integration.

APEC recognizes the vast potential of e-commerce to enhance trade and business opportunities, particularly in its diverse member economies. It has implemented initiatives like the E-Commerce Readiness Initiative, Paperless Trading, and capacity building to address varied developmental stages and regulatory environments. Consumer protection, cybersecurity, and privacy are critical focuses, with efforts including the APEC Privacy Framework and collaboration with international partners like the OECD. The speech underscores the need for continued public-private collaboration to foster a successful global e-commerce environment.