An advanced course on the services aspects of e-commerce, hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), concluded on November 15 in Geneva, bringing together 27 government officials from WTO member and observer countries. The course, held from November 12 to 15, provided participants with valuable insights into the growing role of e-commerce in shaping global trade, particularly in services.
During the opening session, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill emphasized how digitalization and services are key drivers of global trade growth. She highlighted that e-commerce is not only reducing trade costs but also creating new opportunities for small businesses, women, and young people, especially in developing economies.
Over the four-day course, experts from the WTO led discussions on key topics such as measuring digital trade, digitally delivered services, and the challenges of e-commerce regulation. Participants also explored the role of the WTO and regional trade agreements in shaping digital trade governance. Critical issues such as data flows, digital trade taxation, and the WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions were addressed.
Haley Payet, from the Seychelles, shared how the course was directly relevant to her work on digital trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area. She expressed interest in learning more about how e-commerce is integrated into trade classification systems. Similarly, Piero Paolo Romualdo Guasta Leyton from Chile spoke about the importance of understanding peers’ experiences in negotiating e-commerce chapters, particularly in regard to data flows and trade in services.
This advanced course demonstrated the pivotal role of e-commerce in shaping the future of global trade, helping officials better navigate the evolving digital landscape and enhance their countries’ participation in global markets.
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