The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently concluded an advanced course on the services aspects of e-commerce in Geneva. The event, spanning four days, focused on the significance of digitalization and services as major contributors to global trade.
WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill addressed attendees at the opening session, underscoring the critical role of e-commerce in promoting economic growth and social inclusion. She noted its importance for developing economies by reducing trade costs and offering new opportunities for small businesses, women, and young people.
Throughout the course, participants engaged with WTO experts on various topics including digital trade measurement, digitally delivered services, regulatory challenges of e-commerce, and the impact of WTO and regional trade agreements on digital trade governance. Discussions also covered data flows, taxation of digital trade, and the WTO moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions.
Haley Payet from Seychelles remarked: “This thematic course is directly relevant to my role as a technical focal point for digital trade in services and development. My responsibilities include analysing, consulting and negotiating at the technical level regarding the African Continental Free Trade Area Protocol on Digital Trade.”
Piero Paolo Romualdo Guasta Leyton from Chile added: “I am involved in the negotiation and administration of e-commerce chapters of legislation. Many of these disciplines have an impact on trade in services, for example on the free flow of data. It is therefore relevant to learn about peers' negotiating experience, including the best practices for services trade which have been beneficial.”