By: Vinod Kumar
In the 13th Ministerial Conference of WTO in Abu Dhabi, India underscored the imperative need for policy flexibility to foster digital industrialization, particularly for developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
During the Working Session on the E-Commerce Work Programme on February 28, 2024, India delineated the transformative potential of digital industrialization in propelling economic growth and prosperity, especially in regions facing developmental challenges. Emphasizing the dominance of a handful of firms from developed nations in the global e-commerce sphere, India highlighted the pressing digital gap between developed and developing economies hindering the latter’s participation in global e-commerce.
India spotlighted the ongoing digital revolution, citing the proliferation of transformative technologies such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, data analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things. In light of these developments, India called for a reassessment of the implications of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, particularly for developing nations and LDCs. Through initiatives like the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), India has spearheaded a technology revolution, democratizing access to technology and fostering a competitive ecosystem for digital enterprises.
The WTO moratorium on e-commerce is an agreement by member countries of the World Trade Organization to not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions. It has been in place since 1998 and has been periodically extended.