WTO members are preparing to advance discussions on electronic commerce ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for March 26-29, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. At a recent meeting, Ambassador Richard Brown of Jamaica, who is facilitating the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, summarized that some members intend to submit a draft ministerial text and many are eager to begin negotiations based on written proposals.
Participants at the meeting highlighted the need for a positive outcome that supports stable and growing digital trade. This priority was also echoed by business representatives and other stakeholders during the WTO Public Forum held earlier in September. They called for concrete actions at MC14 to deliver benefits for the digital economy.
Ambassador Brown noted broad support among members for continuing both the work programme and the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions, though he acknowledged there were some dissenting views. The current moratorium was agreed upon at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi in early 2024 and will remain in place until MC14 or March 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
"Let me take this opportunity to recall that in my consultations in June many of you emphasised the importance of engaging on the preparations for MC14 at an early stage, on the basis of members' submissions, and to advance as much as possible the work in Geneva," said Ambassador Brown. He added that he is prepared to convene another dedicated meeting if needed.
"Let me also remind you of the December timeline for advancing issues to MC14. The General Council Chair has conveyed to me the importance of keeping to this timeline and ensuring that enough progress is made between now and December to facilitate a smoother process towards MC14," he stated.
On technical assistance and capacity building related to digital trade, Ambassador Brown urged members to complete a questionnaire mapping current initiatives. The goal is to create a searchable database covering programmes offered by WTO members, international organizations, and development banks. This step aims to improve access and coordination around such support efforts.
Several WTO members expressed their backing for this initiative and supported publishing information from these efforts.
More details about the Work Programme on E-commerce can be found at https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/ecom_e/ecom_e.htm.