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19 February  2021 
(21-1419) Page: 1/3 
Council for Trade in Services    
 
 
INFORMATION  RELATED TO DIGITAL CAPABILITIES SHARED BY MEMBERS UNDER THE 
E-COMMERCE  WORK PROGRAMME  
 
NOTE BY THE CHAIRMAN  
1  BACKGROUND  
1.1.  At the December 20 20 meeting  of the Council for Trade in Services  (CTS) , I noted that, in the 
course of 2020, Member s had shared valuable information under the Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce about concrete  initiatives  that they have taken to enhance digital capabilities , both 
domestically and internationally . Therefore, I proposed  that this useful information be compiled into 
a document .  
1.2.   This Note is issued under my own responsibility and provid es my account of the Council's 
activities focused on supporting digital capabilities. It captures the relevant aspects of the 
discussions on the Exchange of Information and Experiences Based on Submissions by Members  
under the E -Commerce Work Programme  throughout the duration of my Chairmanship , covering the 
meetings held in July, October and  December 2020 .  
1.3.  The primary consideration  is straightforward, namely, to facilitate access to the information  
that Members have shared about some of their specific, concrete and practical initiatives aimed at 
enhancing digital capabilities and fostering a n environment conducive to leveraging e -commerce.  
2  OBJECTIVE  
2.1.  The value -add of this document is to  capture the information that had been provided by 
Members and present them in a structured and user -friendly manner to enhance the transparency 
of relevant in itiatives.  Document references are also included.   
2.2.  The information shared in the Council is only illustrative of the different types of initiatives that 
Members have undertaken in the e -commerce sphere. It does  not provide a comprehensive account 
of the entirety of the programmes, actions and projects that WTO Members have carried out  to 
support digital capabilities . It is clearly under stood that the material s that Members have contributed  
in the course of the Council's discussions are not meant  to be exhaustive nor was the exchange of 
information  mandatory in any way.  
3  SUMMARY OF THE CTS DISCUSSIONS  
3.1.  In July  2020, the Council addressed a communication from a group of Members proposing 
exploratory discussions on how to support digital capability of business and consumers.1 The 
document generated significant interest and engagement  among Members . Many delegations shar ed 
their own experiences and initiatives in support of digital capabilities, and several indicated that they 
would be contributing further  inputs  at future meetings . The communication was welcomed as 
making  a meaningful exchange of views under the Work Programme . Numerous delegations said 
that it demonstrated  the co -sponsors' commitment to the Work Programme and the value of 
engaging in discussions that support ed the work under the Work Programme.  
 
1 JOB/SERV/296/Rev.2, co -sponsored by Australia; Brazil; Canada; Colombia; Hong Kong, China; 
Japan; Mexico; New Zealand; Nigeria; Norway; Singapore and the United Kingdom. The communication was 
revised on 29 September, in JOB/SERV/296/Rev.3, to add Ukraine as a co -sponsor, and subsequently 
on 1 December, in JOB/SERV/296/Rev.4, to add the Republic of Korea as a co -sponsor.  JOB/SERV/ CTS/4 
 
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  3.2.  At the October and December meeting s of the  Council , Members continued to contribute to the 
exploratory discussions. Several delegations presented in -depth  information on, and follow -up 
accounts of,  their programmes and initiatives in support of digital capabilities .  
3.3.  The information provided by delegations focused on three broad areas:  
a. Domestic  programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing digital 
capabilities to enable greater participat ion in and benefit from e -commerce.  
The primary  areas of focus  of the initiatives shared  include:  
- institutional/ legal frameworks (e.g. establishment of dedicated e -commerce 
Ministries/authorities; development of national e -commerce policies, strategies, 
platforms and webpages; digitalization of public procurement; online provision of 
government services);  
- e-commerce facilitation (e.g. consumer protection; e -signatures; e -certifications; 
standards; digital payment solutions and fintech tools) ;  
- MSMEs (e.g. facilitating the adoption of digital tools ; facilitating  the development of an 
on-line presence; providing guidance, advice and support to promote digital 
transformation; supporting start -ups and innovation; promoting partnerships);  
- infrastructure (e.g. improving ICT networks, particularly broadband, logistic systems , 
distribut ion channels);  and  
- other relevant areas  (e.g. women empowerment; digital inclusion  of the elderly, the 
disabled, those living in rural or remote regions; training programmes promoting IT 
expertise and foreign language skills; contact tracing  applications; e ncouraging  and 
facilitating remote work solutions).  
The relevant documents are S/C/M/14 2 (pages  5-28), S/C/M/14 3 (pages  5-15) and 
S/C/M/14 4 (pages  9-19). 
b. Regional initiatives aimed at promoting e -commerce.  
The examples provided include  the following : the adoption of measures to promote 
regional cross -border e -commerce  (e.g. on consumer protection, digital 
authentication); the development of  agreements and  mutual rec ognition frameworks for e -
signatures ; the conduct of studies to identify barriers to the supply of e -commerce related 
services.  
The relevant documents are S/C/M/14 2 (pages  5-28), S/C/M/14 3 (pages  5-15) and 
S/C/M/14 4 (pages  9-19). 
c. International  cooperation projects and initiatives to support digital capabilities.  These 
initiatives were carried out by Members  individually, or  in collaboration with international 
organizations or the private sector.  
The main  priority areas mentioned include :  
- MSMEs (e.g. encouraging innovation ; assisting start-ups; providing training and 
mentoring ; facilitating access to distribution platforms  and to trade intelligence );  
- legal frameworks (e.g. supporting the development of relevant regulation ; promoting 
the harmonization of digital regulatory frameworks );  
- infrastructure (e.g. supporting ICT infrastructure development);  and JOB/SERV/ CTS/4 
 
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  - other relevant areas  (e.g. increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs  and 
women -owned businesses in e -commerce; promoting digital access for underserved 
communities; building digital capabilities and skills;  promoting ICT-related R&D, 
innovation projects  and hubs; enhancing the understanding of digital policies and trade 
rules).  
The relevant documents are S/C/M/14 2 (pages  5-28), S/C/M/14 3 (pages  5-15) and 
S/C/M/14 4 (pages  9-19). 
4  CONCLUDING COMMENTS   
4.1.  The exchanges on the e -commerce Work Programme over the last year  have been extensive 
and rich . I am heartened to see a renewed engagement on this topic and urge Members to continue 
their constructive  exchange of views , especially in the areas of domestic programmes , regional 
initiatives and internation al collaborations. E -commerce has becom e a fact of life and permeates all 
segments of society . Consequently,  governments have become more aware of and attuned to its 
potential benefit and impact. While Members continue to have differing levels of digital a doption, the 
benefits of digital technology are undeniable. In this context, I hope the CTS will continue  to engage 
constructively on these  issues in a forward -looking manner.   
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