Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have convened to discuss legal and regulatory matters as part of the ongoing work programme on e-commerce. During this meeting, representatives shared insights from their national experiences in shaping a regulatory environment conducive to digital trade. They emphasized the importance of continuing these discussions through dedicated sessions and workshops.
Participants acknowledged the necessity for the WTO to leverage its role to collaborate with various stakeholders, including international organizations, the private sector, and experts, to delve deeper into e-commerce challenges. Key areas identified for developing legal and regulatory frameworks include consumer protection, data protection, and cybersecurity. Such frameworks are seen as vital for enhancing trust and fostering a supportive atmosphere for e-commerce growth.
Some members pointed out that initiatives like the Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce among a subset of WTO members and existing regional trade agreements could serve as starting points or references in formulating these frameworks.
Ambassador Richard Brown of Jamaica, who is now facilitating this work programme, announced that the next session dedicated to these issues will be held on November 12.