Joint
statement initiative on electronic commerce
26 July 2024
The following communication, dated 26 July
2024 is being circulated at the request of Australia, Japan and Singapore as Co-Convenors
on behalf of the participants* of the
Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce.
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We recognise the importance of global
electronic commerce and the opportunities it creates for inclusive trade and
development, and the important role of the WTO in promoting open, transparent,
non-discriminatory and predictable regulatory environments in facilitating
electronic commerce.
After five years of negotiations under the
WTO Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce, participants have
reached a new phase, achieving stabilised text on the attached Agreement on
Electronic Commerce that reflects a balanced and inclusive outcome. The
Agreement is set to benefit consumers and businesses involved in digital trade,
especially MSMEs. It will also play a pivotal role in supporting digital
transformation among participating members.
Participants will proceed with their
domestic processes, with a view to integrating the outcome of negotiations in
the WTO legal framework.
We reaffirm the importance of supporting
developing and least-developed country Members in implementing the Agreement on
Electronic Commerce by addressing their identified needs including through
implementation periods, technical assistance and capacity building support.
Taking note of the evolving nature of
cross-border electronic commerce and digital technology, participants recognise
that some issues of importance to digital trade have not been addressed in this
text. Participants will discuss the inclusion of these issues in future
negotiations. Participants reserve the right in any future negotiations to
propose amendments to the attached Agreement including with respect to scope,
exceptions and dispute settlement.
We encourage all WTO Members to support and
join this Initiative and, in this context, we will extend our outreach to WTO
Members on the benefits of the negotiated rules for facilitating electronic
transactions.
We acknowledge that some Members that
participated in negotiations continue to undertake internal consultations or
domestic processes and we commit to continued engagement with these Members in
coming months with the goal of expanding participation.
* Due to ongoing domestic consultations and considerations, this
statement is circulated on behalf of Joint Statement Initiative participants,
except for Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Paraguay,
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Türkiye and
United States.