WTO Members Resume Discussions on E-commerce following MC12 Outcome
WTO members kicked off
discussions on 18 November on identifying specific cross-cutting issues to be addressed
under the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce as a follow-up to the decision taken
at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June. WTO members agreed at MC12 to
reinvigorate the Work Programme, particularly regarding its development dimension.
They also agreed to maintain their current practice of not imposing customs duties
on electronic transmissions and to intensify discussions on this moratorium.
General Council Chair
Ambassador Didier Chambovey said that in his consultations
post MC12, members generally supported holding dedicated discussions under the auspices
of the General Council to address so-called horizontal issues cutting across various
trade topics, particularly in regard to the development dimension.
Ambassador Chambovey said: “Much of the work and discussions going forward
will depend on your suggestions and priorities, in line with the member-driven nature
of our work.”
During the meeting, a
group of members presented a proposal on how to reinvigorate the Work Programme. Members
also shared their views on topics to be addressed and on the way forward, including
on the moratorium.
In her concluding remarks,
Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady, the facilitator on the
E-commerce Work Programme and moratorium, said: “There is a sense of engagement
from all members … The work has started today.”