China has introduced a new proposal, identified as G/IT/W/58, aimed at enhancing the functionality and relevance of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). The proposal suggests hosting regular symposiums or workshops for industry representatives and stakeholders to share developments in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. It also includes publishing annual statistics on ICT trade, improving information sharing on ITA implementation, and strengthening cooperation on non-tariff barriers.
Japan presented its project titled "Study on the impact of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and the future of ICT trade." This study involves six economies in the Asia-Pacific region sharing their perspectives on ICT trade and experiences with emerging ICT products. The study addresses regional trends in ICT trade, future challenges, how ICT products can solve global challenges, and support sustainable development.
Mr. Don Spedding from Australia, Chair of the ITA Committee, reported his consultations with participants about advancing discussions within the Committee's Work Programme on Non-Tariff Barriers. His efforts included gathering participants' views on future committee work.
The WTO Secretariat provided an overview of past work regarding non-tariff barriers within the Committee. Regarding future work, several delegations emphasized expanding ITA participation among more WTO members and increasing advocacy for ITA's value to the global economy. Participants expressed interest in more workshops or thematic sessions open to industry and civil society stakeholders.
Participants also wanted updates on relevant activities in other WTO bodies. Consequently, a presentation was given by WTO concerning ongoing discussions about conformity assessment procedures related to ITA products within the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade. It was noted that digital-related regulations are increasingly being notified by WTO members across various product categories like drones, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence.
Implementation issues raised during this meeting included concerns about Indonesia's and Egypt's import duties on IT products like mobile phones considered covered by ITA agreements; these concerns have been addressed at previous meetings.
The Information Technology Agreement was initially concluded by 14 participants at the Singapore Ministerial Conference in December 1996. Now it includes 56 participants representing 84 WTO members who account for 97% of world trade in IT products. The agreement covers high-technology products such as computers, telecommunication equipment, semiconductors along with parts/accessories thereof.
At Nairobi Ministerial Conference held December 2015 saw conclusion Expansion Agreement having now grown into encompassing many new-generation semiconductor manufacturing equipment optical lenses GPS navigation medical devices like MRI scanners dental ophthalmology machinery covering roughly ninety percent world traded items under this expanded agreement category-wise today remains major focus area globally involved stakeholders alike across sectors engaged technologically driven commerce economic activities worldwide beyond borders frontiers too seen often impacting daily lives common people everywhere around globe comprehensively ultimately transforming entire landscape human civilization forevermore times ahead foreseeable future horizons unimaginable possibilities unfolding continuously fast pace ever accelerating never-ending journey towards tomorrow unknown yet eagerly anticipated promising brighter better days still come further still remain awaited endlessly boundless infinite 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