Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information Technology Products - Programme of the ITA Committee's first thematic session - The opportunities of ITA participation : participants' and stakeholders' experience - 20 November 2025 - Revision

PROGRAMME OF THE ITA COMMITTEE'S FIRST THEMATIC SESSION

THE OPPORTUNITIES OF ITA PARTICIPATION: PARTICIPANTS'
AND STAKEHOLDERS' EXPERIENCE

20 November 2025

Revision

This thematic session of the Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information Technology Products (ITA Committee) provides an opportunity to reflect on ITA Participants and Members' experiences with the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) from both policy and practical perspectives. It will bring together ITA Participants, stakeholders, and experts to exchange views on the considerations that led to participation and the observed effects of the Agreement on domestic economies and industries. The discussion aims to enhance understanding of the motivations, challenges, and outcomes associated with ITA participation, drawing on perspectives from government, business, and academia. By sharing these insights, the session seeks to contribute to ITA Participants and Members' collective appreciation of the role of the ITA in fostering technological development, attracting investment, and integrating global value chains.

 

Time

Session

09:30 –10:00

Light breakfast offered outside Room E (courtesy of UK Mission)

10:00 – 10:05

Opening Remarks by the Chairperson of the ITA Committee – Mr Andrei Rusu

10:05 – 10:10

Remarks by Ms Rebecca Fisher Lamb, DPR of the UK Mission

10:10 –10:25

Overview of the ITA and its Role in Digital Transformation, WTO Secretariat –
Dr Xiaodong Wang

10:25 – 12:55

Panel Discussion

10:25–10:30 Moderator (Mr Faisal Hamza, UK Mission): Introduction of the Session and Speakers

1. Experiences of Participation to the ITA

ITA Participants share the internal considerations, processes, and lessons learned from their decision to join the Agreement, highlighting what shaped their accession choices.

10:30–10:45 Presentation by Mr Leonito Soares de Jesus, Economic Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Timor-Leste (Virtual)

10:45–11:00 Presentation by Mr Vanxay Keokhamphan, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Lao PDR

2. Impact of ITA and how it benefits business

Speakers present national insights on how ITA participation has influenced domestic industries, competitiveness, investment, and integration into global value chains.

11:00–11:15    Benefits of the ITA on the Electronics/IT Sector of the Philippines, Mr Ferdinand Ferrer – Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, EMS Group, the Philippines

11:15–11:30    Study on the Impact of the ITA and Future ICT Trade, Mr Hokuto Mori – Assistant Director, International Economic Affairs Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan

11:30-12:00    Q&A

3. Business perspectives

Stakeholders and industry representatives discuss how the ITA affects operational costs, supply chains, and innovation, and its broader contribution to the global digital economy.

12:00–12:15    ITA: Perspectives from the European Semiconductor Industry, Mr Giovanni Corder – Deputy Director‑General, Senior Director, Global Policy, the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA)

12:15–12:30    Consumer Technology Experiences with the WTO Information Technology Agreement, Mr Edward Brzytwa, Vice‑President of International Trade, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), United States

12:30–12:55    Q&A and closing

12:55 – 13:00

Closing remarks by the Chairperson of the ITA Committee – Mr Andrei Rusu

 

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