The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently hosted a workshop to explore opportunities in digital trade for developing economies. The event covered essential areas such as the WTO work programme on e-commerce and the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. Participants were introduced to the “Handbook on Measuring Digital Trade” and discussed findings from the “Digital Trade for Development” publication, which examines how digital trade can drive development.
A significant aspect of the workshop was a presentation by the World Bank, featuring a digital gap analysis that looked into challenges within digital regulatory frameworks in six pilot countries involved in the joint WTO-World Bank's “Digital Trade for Africa” project. This analysis aimed to engage national authorities in addressing obstacles to creating a supportive regulatory environment for digital trade.
Private sector representatives shared practical insights into opportunities and innovations in digital trade, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. The importance of public-private collaboration was highlighted as crucial for overcoming existing challenges and encouraging participation from least-developed countries (LDCs) in the digital economy.
The workshop, funded by China, was part of China's LDCs and Accessions Programme under Pillar 6, emphasizing experience sharing among LDCs.