Remarks on E-commerce by Ambassador Yi-Fu Lin at the GC-25 July, 2012
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Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First of all, we would like to express our appreciation of the comprehensive report by DDG Singh on the work programme on E-commerce.
Given the importance of E-commerce to the economies of developing countries, we are pleased that discussions at the councils for Trade in Services (CTS), Trade in Goods (CTG) and Trade and Development (CTD) have been continued re-invigorated following the instructions of Ministers at the MC8 (8th Ministerial Meeting of the WTO).
In our view, the proposals currently under discussion at the CTS deserve more detailed attention in order that the impact of modern technology on the business environment is properly addressed, particularly in relation to trade in services.
Moreover, we have always been in favour of strengthening the CTD’s role on E-Commerce, to help developing and least-developed country Members participate more effectively in E-commerce activities, thus narrowing the digital divide and promoting sustainable development. In this regard, we welcome the proposal for a “Workshop on E-Commerce, Development and SMEs” submitted by Ecuador and Cuba at the CTD. We would like to work closely with the proponents and other Members on fine-tuning the agenda for this.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for giving me the floor.