Cooperation, Capacity Building, and Implementation Considerations of Developing Countries in the E-Commerce Joint Statement Initiative
Status and the way forward
This paper highlights potential approaches to support developing countries to participate in negotiations and implement proposed text provisions under the Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce.
Negotiations under the World Trade Organization’s Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce are expected to reach convergence on most issues by the end of 2022. Around 38 developing countries participate in this initiative, many of which face considerable constraints in their human and technical resources and knowledge. This can prevent their active engagement in the negotiations, as well as their ability to benefit from and implement the future agreement.
This paper emphasizes the urgency of answering developing countries’ call for support during and after the negotiations. It highlights potential approaches to strengthen cooperation and capacity building and to implement proposed text provisions so that they address the needs and concerns of developing countries and help develop their e-commerce ecosystems.
This material has been produced with funding by UK aid from the UK Government. The Umbrella Grant is a project of the Trade and Investment Advocacy Fund (TAF2+) and is implemented by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, in consortium with CUTS International, Geneva and BKP Economic Advisors.
Views expressed in the publication are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect HM Government’s official positions or those of TAF2+.
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