China reiterates commitment to the WTO e-commerce negotiations

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that China will continue to contribute to the ongoing e-commerce negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The statement came after Japan, Australia, and Singapore, co-convenors of the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce, announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations on global digital trade rules.

Participants in the WTO negotiations have reached a consensus on 13 agenda items covering three key areas: facilitating digital trade, opening up the digital environment, and enhancing business and consumer trust. China has actively engaged in discussions on all agenda items, presenting nine proposals that have been incorporated into the consensus. Moving forward, the participating parties will focus on key topics such as duty-free electronic transmissions, electronic payments, and telecommunications services.

The negotiations on e-commerce at the WTO involve 90 countries and regions, accounting for 90 percent of total global trade. This emphasizes the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement on digital trade rules. As technology continues to shape global trade, these rules will play a crucial role in facilitating and regulating digital commerce.

Why does it matter?
The substantial progress made in the negotiations on global digital trade rules reflects the commitment to establish a comprehensive framework for digital trade. This will benefit both the countries involved in the negotiations and contribute to global economic development and the growth of digital commerce.