E-Commerce at the World Trade Organization: Key insights for least developed countries and Small Island Developing States

Background

As the global economy continues to digitalize, there is increasing recognition of the need to update international trade frameworks to support digital trade. Discussions on e-commerce have gained significant traction at the multilateral level, with growing engagement from developing countries. A subset of WTO members—including several developing economies—has concluded a stabilized legal text for a proposed plurilateral agreement on e-commerce. These members are now advocating for its integration into the broader WTO treaty architecture.

This evolving landscape has important implications for LDCs and SIDS, which face distinct challenges in participating in the digital economy. As the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) approaches, it is critical that LDC and SIDS delegations are informed and equipped to navigate the multilateral and plurilateral dynamics shaping digital trade governance.

About the Event

This in-person round table provided WTO delegates from LDCs and SIDS with a timely and practical overview of the multilateral and plurilateral processes on e-commerce at the WTO. Experts also explored how e-commerce discussions and frameworks address development concerns, including the specific barriers LDCs and SIDS face and the support needed for effective implementation and inclusive participation in the digital economy.

The round table featured insights from WTO negotiators, international organizations, and technical experts. It also offered a space for delegates from LDCs and SIDS to share experiences in a confidential setting under Chatham House Rule.

Participants explored questions such as:

• What are the main challenges faced by LDCs and SIDS in engaging with digital trade opportunities?
• How can global processes, particularly those evolving within the WTO, support LDCs and SIDS in addressing these challenges?
• How is the development dimension being addressed, and what are some key expectations and concerns from LDCs and SIDS?

Panel

Moderators:

• Alice Tipping, Director, Trade and Sustainable Development, IISD
• Rashid S. Kaukab, Senior Specialist, Trade and Sustainable Development, IISD

Panelists:

• Cherno Marenah, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Gambia to the WTO
• Joel K. Richard, Counsellor, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Geneva Mission
• Cécile Barayre-el Shami, Chief of Digital Economy Capacity Building Section, UN Trade and Development
• Pierre Sauvé, Senior Trade Specialist, World Bank
• Stefania Gallo, Trade Policy Analyst, E-commerce team, Council and Trade Negotiations Committee Division, WTO
• Marilia Maciel, Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, DiploFoundation
• Rashmi Jose, Senior Policy Advisor, Trade and Sustainable Development, IISD
• Guna Seelan Balakrishnan, Minister Counsellor, Malaysia Permanent Mission to the WTO