Digital Trade: Opportunities of the Internet for International Trade

On 23 June, ICTSD and DIGITALEUROPE organised a meeting in Brussels. Panelists touched upon the opportunities and challenges of the digital economy for the EU and for international trade, as well as on the rules that are needed and the potential ways forward. ICTSD also presented the findings of their joint policy options report together with the World Economic Forum « Maximizing the Opportunities of the Internet for International Trade » resulting from the discussions of the E15 Expert Group on Digital Economy, and outlined the implications of the recommendations put forth for Europe.

In many ways digital trade acts as the sea-lanes and containers of trade in the 21st century. Trade is not possible without the flow of data and digitally deliverable services.

In the new « Trade for All » Strategy, the European Commission identified digital trade as a key priority to secure the EU’s place in the global value chains.

In the global context, many countries are looking at Europe to take leadership and strive for market access and preserve openness. The rise of digital protectionism around the world these last years marks a troubling shift in global trade. Last April the G7 ICT Ministers adopted an action plan that notably promotes access to information and communication technologies (ICT), promotes and protects the free flows of information and commits to using ICT to address international challenges and opportunities. These commitments are a first stepping stone at the global level to fully realise the potential of the Internet.

On the panel:

• Maria ÅSENIUS, Head of Cabinet, Cabinet of Trade Commissioner Cécilia Malmström
• Andrew CROSBY, Managing Director, ICTSD
• Hosuk LEE-MAKIYAMA, Director of the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE)
• Luisa SANTOS, Director for International Relations, BUSINESSEUROPE

The event was moderated by John HIGGINS, Director General, DIGITALEUROPE.