Investing in the digital economy

 

The Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission

1. Acknowledges the rapid expansion of the digital economy, and reiterates its concerns about the digital divide between and within countries, recognizing the challenge that this divide poses for many countries, in particular developing countries, which have pressing development needs and limited resources;
2. Welcomes the organization of expert discussions on the strategic role of international investment in driving digitalization and its contribution to inclusive and sustainable economic growth worldwide;
3. Recognizes the importance of resource mobilization and investment in adequate digital public infrastructure, digital public goods, digital literacy and innovation to bridge the digital divide;
4. Acknowledges the need to boost investment in the digital economy, and requests UNCTAD to continue research and develop policy recommendations to support it;
5. Acknowledges the role of business development services in strengthening business ecosystems, and invites the secretariat to continue strengthening its Empretec network to boost the competitiveness of microenterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups;
6. Invites the secretariat to strengthen support through inclusive peer networks, mentorship platforms and accessible business services that enable integration into value chains, including through its business linkages programme;
7. Calls on the secretariat to continue assisting developing countries based on the entrepreneurship policy framework methodology and promote the exchange of best practices on enterprise development.