The Information Technology Agreement (ITA) Committee, in collaboration with the United Kingdom's Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), held a thematic session focused on the ITA’s contribution to digital transformation and expanding participation in both the ITA and its Expansion Agreement.
During the session, representatives from Timor-Leste and Lao PDR discussed their countries’ experiences as newly acceded ITA participants. They highlighted both challenges and opportunities faced by least developed countries (LDCs) when joining the agreement. The presentations included details about organizing inter-ministerial task forces and identifying priority products for inclusion in their commitments.
Private sector speakers from the Philippines, European Union, and United States emphasized that the ITA has played an important role in job creation, technological advancement, attracting foreign investment, and supporting digital transformation across various economies. Japan’s representative shared findings from a recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) report on the ITA.
This meeting was noted as the first of three planned thematic sessions through 2026. Future sessions will address topics such as artificial intelligence, new technologies, e-commerce support, and efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Mr. Andrei Rusu of Romania, Chair of the ITA Committee, stated: "The ITA plays a critical role in addressing digital connectivity issues. The future competitiveness of economies will depend on how quickly they embrace and adapt to technological changes."
At a committee meeting held on the same day, participants continued discussions regarding non-tariff measures affecting information technology products. Members agreed to conduct a voluntary survey concerning non-tariff barriers encountered by these goods.
Indonesia received praise for eliminating tariffs on mobile phones as of September 2025; however, members requested further clarification about specific legislative details. There were also ongoing concerns raised with Egypt regarding additional import duties imposed on cell phones that have affected market access conditions.
The committee reviewed outcomes from its recent joint event with the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee and decided to seek more collaborative opportunities between these WTO bodies. Progress was made on resolving product classification differences, with a new roadmap established for addressing this issue.
The next formal meeting of the ITA Committee is provisionally set for April 15, 2026. Additional meetings may be scheduled if necessary.