In their Joint Statement at Davos, 76 WTO members declared their intention to commence WTO negotiations on trade-related aspects of electronic commerce. The signatories who account for over 90% of world trade recognize and take into account the unique opportunities and challenges faced by members, including developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as well as by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, in relation to electronic commerce’.
However, many developing countries remain concerned that such negotiations will lead to a restriction of their regulatory and policy space related to e-commerce and trade, without providing sufficient provisions to meet their specific needs.
With a focus on Africa, this session explores what needs to happen to ensure that these voices are heard and the rules will be shaped by all for all.
Opening Remarks
- Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General, World Trade Organization
Moderator
- Pierre Sauvé, Senior Trade Specialist, World Bank Group
Panellists
- Caroline Freund, Director of Trade, Regional Integration and Investment Climate, World Bank Group
- Arancha González, Executive Director, International Trade Centre
- Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
- Geert Muylle, Ambassador, Permanent representative of Belgium to the WTO
- Leah Uwihoreye, Managing Director, Golden Thoughts Ltd, Rwanda
