WTO Joint Statement on E-commerce Negotiations: Nearing the Finish Line

About the event

As the WTO JSI e-commerce negotiations approach finalization of the draft legal text, this session represents a key moment for review and assessment of the current draft. Participants will receive an update on the negotiations, gain insight into the content of the agreement and understand the remaining discussion points. In addition, the session will focus on the development objectives of the agreement, explore the expected benefits for developing country and LDC parties and identify areas where stronger results can be achieved. This event is exclusively for delegates from developing country and LDC governments in Geneva and their capitals. Both signatories and non-signatories are welcome and we encourage you to share this invitation with experienced colleagues who would benefit from the seminar.

Preliminary action plan

13:30 – 13:35. Welcome speech.

• Alice Tipping, Director of Trade and Sustainability, IISD.

13:35 – 14:15. Session 1: State of the art of JSI negotiations on e-commerce at the World Trade Organization.

• Moderator: Alice Tipping, Director of Trade and Sustainability, IISD.
• Gerbera Choo, Singapore Mission to the World Trade Organization.
• Rashmi Jose, Senior Policy Advisor, IISD.

14:15 – 14:50. Session 2: A Closer Look at Development.

• Moderator: Rashid S. Kaukab, Senior Fellow, IISD.
• Débora Cumes, Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the WTO.
• Joel K. Richards, Advisor, Mission of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Geneva.

14:50 – 15:00. Summary.

• Alice Tipping, Director of Trade and Sustainability, IISD.