E-commerce is a powerful enabler for businesses, especially MSMEs, to gain access to international markets. Businesses in ASEAN have recognised this and used e-commerce to expand and build up their businesses. For ASEAN, the benefits of e-commerce go beyond creating trade and business opportunities. It also contributes to social cohesion and the overall economic development of the region, which are important elements for our regional integration.
In recognition of this the ASEAN Work Programme on E-commerce in November 2017. This is in line with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025, which calls on ASEAN to intensify cooperation on e-commerce with a view to developing an ASEAN Agreement on E-Commerce to facilitate cross-border e-commerce transactions in ASEAN.
In this session, we will be sharing on ASEAN members’ experience and priorities for e-commerce, particularly towards the conclusion of the ASEAN Agreement on E-commerce by end-2018. We will also be sharing on other regional initiatives, and efforts towards e-commerce readiness.
Moderator: H.E. Mr. Tan Yee Woan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Singapore to the WTO, and WIPO
Speakers:
· Ms. Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, Director General, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand
· Mr. U Minn Minn, Deputy Director-General, Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar
· Mr. Khammanhkieng Khottavong, Counsellor, Permanent Mission, Laos
· Mr. Carlos Grau Tanner, Director General, Global Express Alliance
· Ms. Cecile Barayre, Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD
