USTR Lauds WTO Movement on E-Commerce in Davos

Trade ministers from 49 countries and the European Union said they will start World Trade Organization negotiations on electronic commerce, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer lauded the news on Jan. 25. "The United States is pleased that the initial exploratory work on digital trade issues at the WTO in 2018 was productive. The digital economy is a powerful force for global economic growth. The United States is committed to seeking a high-standard agreement that creates strong, market-based rules in this area and reduces the barriers around the world that threaten to undermine the growth of the digital economy, including restrictions on cross-border data flows and data localization requirements," he said.

The joint statement from the countries, issued from the meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said: "We recognise and will take into account the unique opportunities and challenges faced by Members, including developing countries and least developed countries, as well as by micro, small and medium sized enterprises, in relation to electronic commerce." Lighthizer's said that any agreement should have the same obligations for all participating countries.