RESTRICTED  
  
WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
6 July 2023 
(23-4604) Page: 1/30 
Work Programme on Electronic Commerce  
23 June  2023  Original: English  
 
 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
DEDICATED DISCUSSION ON ELECTRONIC COMMERC E 
HELD IN THE CENTRE WILLIAM RAPPARD AND IN VIRTUAL FORMAT ON 23 JUNE 2023 
Chairperson: H.E. Ms Usha Dwarka -Canabady  (Mauritius) , Facilitator of the  
E-commerce Work Programme and the Moratorium  
1.1.  The Chairperson  welcome d Member s to the dedicated discussion  on digital industrialization . 
She thanked delegations for their active engagement and  participation in the workshop with IGOs, 
held on 1 and 2 June  2023. In her view, the workshop was a good information sharing exercise and 
had offered some useful insights and clarifications.  The presentations made at that session and any 
additional information shared by the panellists  could be found  on the WTO website.1 She further 
noted  that the minutes of the May 2023 dedicated discussion had been  circulated in document 
WT/GC/WPEC/M/5.  
1.2.  She recalled that digital industrialization  had been repeatedly raised in previous  discussions. 
Delegations had particularly  highlighted  the importance of sharing experiences, illustrating 
challenges and opportunities, and identifying solutions to support countries ' digital industrialization 
efforts. She encouraged Members to share their experiences and views , and to also focus on what 
they thought  the WTO could do, either on its own or in collaboration with other organisations . She 
noted  that some of th e views had already been shared  and thus there might be some repetitions . 
Nonetheless, s he reminded delegations that this was an opportunit y to g ain a deeper insight into 
the issues  previously discussed . She referred to Singapore's submission in document RD/GC/26, 
titled Navigating Digital Industrialization:  Digital Upskilling  and Transformation in Singapore , and 
invited Singapore to introduce  it. 
1.3.  The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:2  
1.4.  I will provide an overview of  what Singapore is doing in th e area of digital upskilling  at three  
fundamental levels : at the individual level , the enterprise level and the industry level . We believe 
that it is important to make sure that the strategies at all these three different levels of upskilling  
are coherent, especially if we want to make sure that our people are trained for the jobs that the 
industry is ready to provid e. In terms of objective s, the policy goal is to make sure that our people 
are ready for the future . We recognise that this is the most important resource that Singapore has , 
given  that we are a small island state , and we want to make sure that our people are employable in 
the longer term  as the landscape of jobs evolve s. How do we do that? We want to train them so that 
they can adapt to new digital platforms, tools and software , particularly as companies go through  
digital transformation. We also want to make sure that companies themselves can adapt to the new 
realities and have the right tools and skillsets.  This is important because it helps to increase 
productivity and efficiency. As an economy, there are a lot o f upsides to it. When your people are 
ready, investment will naturally come in  or the right sort of factors will just fall into place.  We think 
that this is the crux to digital industrialization, which is why we have flagged it very clearly in this 
present ation. We all know that there are new frontiers for businesses to confront today , e.g.,  AI, 
virtual reality  and data analytics , that have helped transform business models helping them to 
rethink how they operate in markets in a very different and efficient  way. 
 
1 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/ecom_e/ecom_0106202310_e/ecom_0106202310_e.htm .  
2 The presentation is attached in Annex  I. WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  1.5.  Having underst ood the context, what is Singapore doing in this space? Broadly speaking, we 
have broad -based programmes  and S killsFuture is one of them. It  is a comprehensive national 
movement for lifelong learning, and this is where the government gi ves individuals a credit . For 
example, in the course of six years, the government will give individuals a credit of between USD 500 
to USD 1000, which can be used  to choose programmes that they want to undertake voluntarily . 
We use the programme to test where the interests are and then work  with industry partners to see 
what are the most industry relevant skills. This is how we curate the programme to make sure that  
the programme offerings  match what the industry needs . So, there is ver y strong collaboration 
between the industry side and the education side, making sure that the two institutions talk to one 
another to ensure  that there  is great alignment.   
1.6.  We also offer strong career guidance and resource s to help  professionals who are tr ansitioning 
to understand where the opportunities are.  Slide 4 contains the example of a programme that  is 
specific to digital skills training . It is a two-day training programme that equips Singaporeans with 
basic digital skills for the workplace and dail y life.  You might ask, what can be done in two days ? 
This two-day programme is for us to understand better what sector or what skills individuals want 
to develop, whether it  is e-payment s, cybersecurity  or interpretation and use of data. This is a first 
step, and we have very strong support from  the labour movement , employers and tech nology  
partners , including Microsoft, Samsung and Lazada.  On slide 5, the TechSkills Accelerator is a 
programme that  focuses  on professionals . This took shape  when we saw a lot  of professionals being 
displaced from their jobs because of technology and digital transformation . We wanted to make sure 
that all these individuals would be  able to transition to tech -related jobs . We wanted to offe r them 
professional d evelopment programmes ; not just training them for skills but also soft skills by giving 
them mentors to help equip them with the right skillsets.  I just want  to flag two other programmes 
on slide 6 . These are sectoral programmes . One is specific to the B uilt Environment.  Here, we are 
talking about construction industry  and architectural firms. This is where we built in sector -specific 
elements to make sure that the programmes are targeted  at professionals from a certain sector.  
The other is a Global Tech Tr aining Programme. T he specialty of this programme is the overseas 
apprenticeship where we want to understand some of the best practises of companies and also 
governments. We put individuals with multinational companies  to enable them to understand some 
of the latest trends and technology developments so that they can be at the forefront in terms of 
skills development at the global level.  
1.7.  Moving on to the second level, after focusing on people, what are we doing with the companies?  
We understand that SMEs face a lot of constraint s in this space because they do  not have the 
resource s to go digital . We have an agency called the Infocom Media Development Authority (IMDA) 
that looks at digitalization at the industry level. We understand that a lot of SMEs need help and 
they do  not have the ability to hire, for example, a  chief technology officer  (CTO) . In this case, IMDA  
sets up this service , called the CTO -as-a-Service,  to provide advisory help to some of these SMEs  
when it comes to providing them with adv ice on digital transformation strategy and project 
management services.  We also have Sector -Specific Industry Digital Plans . This is linked with what 
I mentioned before : when you train people you want to make sure that it is specific.  Similarly , we 
provide  companies with sector -specific industry digital plans.  This is a step-by-step guide to help 
them identify some of the digital solutions tha t they need . We equip their employers and employees 
with the right skillsets at each stage of this digitalization jo urney.  We have also programmes called 
Start Digital and Grow Digital. There are many other programmes, but I thought I would  flag th ese 
because they could be good thought  starter s. After having identified some of the needs , this is where 
we provide the solutions . There would be t ools like digital marketing,  digital  transactions, digital 
collaboration and cybersecurity  for our MSMEs to ad opt. All these solutions are very easily 
understood and if the  MSME s need help they can always turn to the agency to un derstand  how to 
implement them and what resource s are available to them to actually implement them.   
1.8.  At the industry level, there  is a need to rethink how  the government is transforming the 
industry. The reason I started with people is to really make the p oint that people are the crux of the 
problem that we are tackling today.  We need to get the right people. We need to make sure that 
our people are well -skilled for the jobs of the future.  Then, we have to make sure that the industry 
is prepared to take in people with the right skillsets and the right training.  We have different  sectoral 
Industry Transformation Maps . We have an agency , called the Digital Industry Singapore , that brings 
in industry partners  and officials from the Ministry of Trade , to look at how we can nurture a vibrant 
ecosystem , encourage  the sectors to develop in a very vibrant way and attract  investment . There is 
also a Smart Nation Initiative that looks at it more holistically, not just at the business level, but 
also at the i ndividual level. What do people need as they  go through different life stages and how WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  do we make sure that every policy is synced ? Slide 9 contains an example of a specific industry 
transformation plan that looks at wholesale trade . This is how we go about  thinking how we 
transform an industry.  What are the goals that we are trying to achieve? What are the key trends 
that are affecting this  sector?  For example, look at the column on the slide titled T echnological 
advancement s. We try to tailor our strategy  to make sure that we can address some of these trends , 
to make sure that our industry and our people are future ready . We track the outcomes very closely 
to make sure that our industry transformation plans , our skills, future programme , etc. are meeting 
the key performance indicators (KPIs) . 
1.9.  In summary, digital industrialization has been discussed many times in previous Work 
Programme sessions . Singapore believe s that governments have to take the first step to invest in 
upskilling ; that is the crux of  digital transformation and digital industrialization . It is important to 
look at how we target the different parts of the talent pipeline to make sure that  the spectrum of 
individuals – from students  to mid-career professionals  and workers  – have targeted programmes 
that can help them along.  What is also very important is to understand the ecosystem development s 
that we are trying to achieve and deliver the mindset  shifts among people to make sure that we 
build adaptability, resilience and openness  to change.  
1.10.  The representative of Malaysia  delivered the following statement:  
1.11.  We thank Singapore for the very informative presentation. We find value in some of the key 
points that were highlighted. On the topic of discussion for today, Malaysia wishes to  share our 
Digital Economy Blueprint. The Shared Prosperity Vision (SPV) 2030, is a commitment made by the 
Government of Malaysia to ensure sustainable growth along with fair, inclusive and equitable 
distribution across income groups for the nation , which  has regarded the digital economy as one of 
its Key Economic Growth Areas.  To support SPV 2030, the Government of Malaysia has undertaken 
actions to streamline policies and efforts lead ing to the development of the digital economy in 
Malaysia, namely via th e MyDigital agenda introduced on 19 February 2021. Under the MyDIGITAL 
Agenda, Malaysia is spearheading strategies in continuously transforming Malaysia into a 
digitally -driven and a high -income nation by 2030. Two guiding documents were developed to 
suppo rt the aspiration of MyDIGITAL, namely  the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MDEB) - 
launched on 19 February 2021; and the National 4th Industrial Revolution  Policy (N4IRP) , launched 
on 1 July 2021.  The MyDIGITAL Agenda are also set as the ‘whole -of-nations efforts’ in addressing 
main issues and challenges in advancing Malaysia’s digital economy, namely  the need to have a 
digital -first mindset and higher digital technology adoption across the public sector; the need to 
build a more supportive ecosystem fo r local enterprises to digitalise; the need for better deployment 
of quality broadband and digital technologies infrastructure; the need to nurture a future -ready 
workforce; the digital divide among income and age groups, and between gender need to be 
narrowed; an d the need to build trust and ethics in using data and technology as well as increasing 
awareness on cyber security.  
1.12.  The implementation of the MyDIGITAL is steered by the Council of Digital Economy and the 
Fourth Industrial Revolution (MED4IRN), un der the stewardship of YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia. 
The Council is supported by six clusters to focus on key development in the areas of:  
• Economy: spearheaded by the Minister of International Trade and Industry;   
• Data and Digital Infrastructure: headed  by Minister of Communications and Multimedia  
• Emerging Technology:  chaired by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation;  
• Digital Talent:  chaired by Minister of Human Resources;  
• Community Cluster: chaired by Minister of Women, Family and Community D evelopment; 
and, 
• The Government Cluster: led by the Chief Secretary to the Government.  
1.13.  Under the Second Strategic Thrust of MDEB, MITI is spearheading the joint efforts of the 
public and private sectors to implement 13 initiatives towards enhancing the cou ntry's economic 
competitiveness through digitalisation.  In this regard, two flagship initiatives were launched in 
April 2021 to accelerate the process of digital transformation through investment and 
entrepreneurship.  In terms of investment, the Digital I nvestment Office (DIO) is a strategic 
partnership between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysian 
Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). DIO is a crucial outfit to realise the National Investment 
Aspirations, positioning Malays ia as the "Digital Heart of ASEAN". In this regard, the investment 
promotion and facilitation efforts by DIO has been instrumental in leading to the approval of RM  80.4 WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  billion investments in digitalisation as of 2022, overachieving the 2025 target of RM  70 billion.  As 
for entrepreneurship, the second flagship under the MDEB is the Second National E-Commerce  
Strategic Roadmap 2021 -2025 (NeSR  2.0) which is an action plan to strengthen the development of 
the e-commerce ecosystem, with a primary focus towards ensuring its adoption by 875,000 Micro, 
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by 2025. Despite the target set, NeSR 2.0 has successfully 
recorded more than 1,126,000 businesses adopting e -commerce in 2022, generating a revenue of 
around RM  1.16 trillion.  
1.14.  The representative of Antigua and Barbuda , on behalf  of the OECS , delivered the following 
statement:  
1.15.  Let me thank Singapore for the excelle nt presentation. We would like to align with the 
statement to be delivered by CARICOM. We commend you , Chair,  and the Secretariat for convening 
this dedicated session on digital industrialization . In the OECS, we continue to assign high priority 
to the ful l development of the digital economy, including digital industrialization, which we see as a 
new frontier in our economic and social development efforts. Today, we particularly want to share 
perspectives from the point of view of a Small Island Developing State (SID). SIDS have unique 
characteristics which make the need for digital industrialization, and policy space to achieve this, all 
the more relevant.  SIDS face unique challenges due to their geographical limitations and 
vulnerabilities to climate chang e. However, the advent of digital industrialization presents a 
transformative opportunity for these nations. By harnessing digital technologies and integrating 
them into their economies, SIDS can unlock numerous benefits that drive sustainable development,  
economic growth, and enhanced  resilience.  
1.16.  Digital industrialization can enable SIDS to diversify their economies beyond traditional 
sectors such as tourism and agriculture. By leveraging digital technologies, these nations can 
cultivate new industries, s uch as e -commerce, digital services, and software development, fostering 
economic growth and reducing reliance on vulnerable sectors. This diversification enhances the 
resilience of SIDS economies, ensuring their sustainability in the face of external shoc ks. 
Digitalization can also facilitate enhanced connectivity and market access for SIDS. With digital 
platforms and e -commerce, businesses in these nations can reach global markets, transcending the 
limitations of their geographical locations. It opens doo rs for international trade, allowing SIDS to 
export their goods and services globally, creating new revenue streams and expanding their 
customer base. Furthermore, digital platforms can provide opportunities for micro, small, and 
medium -sized enterprises ( MSMEs) to participate in the global economy, fostering entrepreneurship 
and job creation.  In addition , digital technologies can empower SIDS to develop innovative solutions 
for climate change adaptation and disaster resilience. Internet of Things (IoT) dev ices, sensors, and 
data analytics can help monitor and manage environmental risks, including sea -level rise, natural 
disasters, and water scarcity. By integrating these technologies into their infrastructure and resource 
management systems, SIDS can enhanc e early warning systems, optimize resource allocation, and 
implement sustainable practices. This strengthens their resilience, mitigating the adverse impacts 
of climate change and protecting their communities and ecosystems.  Additionally, digital 
industria lization can improve access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and 
government services in SIDS. Telemedicine and e -health initiatives can enable remote diagnosis and 
treatment, bridging the healthcare gap between island communities and ur ban centres. E -learning 
platforms expand educational opportunities, allowing students to access high -quality education 
regardless of their location. Digital government services may also help to streamline administrative 
processes, enhancing efficiency and citizen engagement. These advancements can lead to improved 
living standards, reduced inequality, and increased social inclusivity.  
1.17.  Going forward, especially as we think of the role that the WTO and the multilateral trading 
system can play, we have to thi nk of the kinds of flexibilities which may be appropriate to foster 
knowledge transfer in the context of the digital economy. International cooperation protocols may 
also be required to give effect to practical knowledge transfer. This exchange of knowledg e can 
empower SIDS to address local challenges more effectively, innovate solutions, and tap into global 
networks for sustainable development.  While the WTO has a role to play, multilateral financial 
institutions can also play a meaningful role in digital industrialization. A huge amount of financing 
will be required to help SIDS and ma ny developing and least -developed countries to achieve progress 
on digital industrialization. Multilateral financial institutions, such as the World Bank, International 
Monet ary Fund (IMF), and regional development banks, can offer financing mechanisms and 
investment opportunities to SIDS. They can also provide loans, grants, and technical assistance to 
support the development and implementation of digital industrialization st rategies. This financial WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  support will enable SIDS to invest in infrastructure, digital connectivity, research and development, 
and capacity building initiatives.  These m ultilateral financial institutions can also support capacity 
building programs and skil ls development initiatives in SIDS. They can provide training and 
knowledge -sharing platforms to enhance digital literacy, technical skills, and entrepreneurship 
capabilities. This will enable SIDS to develop a skilled workforce that can effectively partic ipate in 
the digital economy and drive digital industrialization.  Digital industrialization requires robust 
infrastructure, including broadband networks, data centres, and digital innovation hubs. Multilateral 
financial institutions can assist SIDS in buil ding and upgrading their digital infrastructure. They can 
provide funding for the deployment of high -speed internet connectivity, digital backbone networks, 
and digital service platforms. This infrastructure development can help to create the foundation fo r 
SIDS to embrace digital technologies and leverage them for industrialization.  Finally, digital 
industrialization presents immense opportunities for SIDS. By embracing digital technologies and 
integrating them into their economies, these nations can diver sify their industries, expand market 
access, enhance resilience, improve access to services, and foster collaboration, paving the way for 
sustainable and inclusive development.  
1.18.  The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
1.19.  Before I deliver  the official statement that my capital has instructed me to make , I will say 
something about the concept of digital industrialization. It is a hard concept to grasp,  and there 
seems to be  no generally accepted definition o f digital industrialization . A few days ago, I had a 
discussion with a very senior expert on digital trade  and I asked him about  his view  on digital 
industrialization . He said he preferred  to use another word , i.e., "digital transformation ". I heard and 
saw "digital transformation " being used in Singapore 's presentation, a nd I think this is perhaps a 
better word. I believe that when talking about  digital industrialization or how we can  improve our 
economic efficiency and p roductivity using digital technology , it is of utmost importance that we 
transform our mindset  to better use digital trade  and digital technology ; to transform the business 
model , the ecosystem or the business environment ; to improve our education system  and to 
transform our workforce  – basically,  to use digital technology  to transform a ll the economic sectors  
or even society at large. I believe that this is a very  comprehensive an d important topic that is worth 
discussing further  and I hope that in the future we can continue having a discussion on this topic. 
We also need  to update o ur trade rules in the WTO, g iven the very rapid advancement of digital 
technology . As the official  in the Chinese delegation  dedicated to e -commerce and  services for the 
past 20 years , I find myself, often times, lost in th e debate of what is trad e in services and what is 
trade in goods. I think that with the digital  age it  is better for us to see  trade in services and trad e 
in goods as a synergy. Maybe i n the future there will be no need to have this dichotomy between 
GATT and GATS . These are some ideas that I had  after listening to the presentations of Singapore , 
Malaysia and Antigua and Barbuda . Now I will come back to the official statement prepared by  
my capital.  
1.20.  China notes that there are a few communications mentioning digital industrialization and 
would like to thank those proponents for their contributions. Special thanks go to Singapore for the 
very enlightening presentation on Digital Upskilling and Transformation. However, it seems that the 
concept of this term is still not quite clear. Therefore, I would like to share China 's understanding on 
the concept and scope of 'digital industrialization '. The Statistical Classification of the Digital 
Economy and its Core Industries  issued by the National Bureau of Statistics of China in 2021 
establishes the basic guideline and indicator system for the statistical accounting of the digital 
economy. In terms of 'digital indu strialization ' and 'digitalization of industries ', the digital economy 
can be categorized into the following five industries: (i)  digital product manufacturing industry, 
(ii) digital product service industry, (iii) digital technology application industry, (iv) digital 
factors -driven industry; and (v) digital efficiency improvement industry. Among them, the first four 
categories are the digital industrialization components, i.e., the core industry of the digital economy. 
It refers to the provision of digital  technology, products, services, infrastructure and solutions for 
the digital development of industries, as well as various economic activities that completely rely on 
digital technology and data elements. To be specific, 'digital industrialization ' mainly  includes 
computer communications and other electronic equipment manufacturing, telecommunications, 
radio and television as well as satellite transmission services, Internet and related services, software 
and information technology services, etc.  
1.21.  China bel ieves that digital industrialization and industrial digitization are important 
components of the digital economy. The synergistic development of both can promote the diffusion 
of digital development dividends from individual links to the entire value chain , from highly relevant WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  industries to different sectors, and from large enterprises to MSMEs, enabling them to truly enjoy 
the same digital benefits as large enterprises. At the same time, the digital economy is characterized 
by stronger connectivity, penet ration, and openness, with deeper integration into the real economy 
and social life, therefore requires more advanced regulation. Based on our development experience, 
China would like to share the following three points . Firstly, strengthening the regulato ry system of 
the digital economy : In recent years, the Chinese government has promulgated and implemented a 
series of Laws, including the Cybersecurity Law, E -commerce Law, Data Security Law, Personal 
Information Protection Law, and amended the Anti-Monopo ly Law. Meanwhile, efforts have been 
made to improve digital governance capabilities. Secondly, fostering coordinated regulation : China 
has enhanced the level of digitalization in areas such as tax collection and management, banking 
and insurance supervisi on, customs supervision, state -owned assets supervision, digital economy 
monitoring, intellectual property protection, anti-monopoly  measures, anti -unfair competition, and 
supervision of online transactions, promoting 'smart regulation '. Thirdly, improving  public services : 
Currently, the national integrated government service platform has been basically established, and 
practices such as 'One-Stop Online Government Services ' and 'Cross -Provincial Transactions ' are 
widely implemented, with 96.68% of tax -related matters being handled in a non -contact manner.  
1.22.  Finally, China welcomes the WTO to play a greater role in strengthening international digital 
cooperation, enhancing the level of digital industrialization, and looks forward to more dialogue and 
cooperati on within the WTO framework. Further discussions and research  should focus on the 
following issues: (i) the concept, classification, and measurement methods of the digital economy; 
(ii) how to objectively view the development of the digital economy, and (iii) how to formulate 
appropriate policies to promote the digital economy.  
1.23.  The representative of Trinidad a nd Tobago, on behalf  of the CARICOM Group , delivered the 
following statement:  
1.24.  The choice of topic today seems to build on our earlier dedicated discu ssions, such as the 
discussions relating to the digital divide and legal and regulatory frameworks. In the context of 
Industry 4.0, we are witnessing the rapid transformation of industry, trade and global value chains 
through the incorporation of technolog ical innovations and digital solutions. In this regard, there are 
clear asymmetries between the capacity of advanced economies to harness digital technologies in 
trade and the lack of wherewithal of developing country Members in this regard. With technolog ical 
advances unfolding rapidly around us and their impact on global merchandise and services trade 
both evident and growing, developing country Members seeking to harness the benefits to be derived 
from electronic commerce require support to bridge the di gital divide. Given trends relating to 
digitalisation, including rapid growth in digitally deliverable  services trade, developing country 
Members must build digital capacity and secure digital transformation if we are to secure meaningful 
incorporation int o global value chains.   
1.25.  Fundamentally, digital industrialisation involves the leveraging of digital technologies and 
innovations, for example in the manufacturing and services sectors, in the pursuit of increased 
productivity and competitiveness, economic growth and sustainable development. In t he context of 
the Fourth Industrial Revolution, industrialisation is propelled by digital intelligence arising 
from data. At a foundational level, digital infrastructure and connectivity are key building blocks for 
engaging in e -commerce and, as we shared in a previous dedicated discussion, this is an area in 
which our region is continuing to pursue progress. For consumers and MSMEs seeking to derive 
benefits from electronic commerce, connectivity is critical for accessing digital resources, online 
services  and global markets. Governments in the region continue to explore policy approaches aimed 
at boosting access to high -speed internet through the expansion and improvement of broadband 
networks and cost -effective solutions, including wireless technologies a nd community networks, in 
areas with limited digital infrastructure. Public -private partnerships remain a viable avenue in this 
regard. A robust cybersecurity framework is also critical in this context. To return briefly to our 
previous discussion on legal  and regulatory frameworks, advances with respect to digital 
industrialisation must be underpinned by appropriate regulations and legislation relating to electronic 
transactions, data protection and privacy, consumer protection, cybersecurity and 
telecommu nications. This is an area on which the region continues to seek support and to pursue 
progress, including on harmonisation.  
1.26.  As we seek to build capacity to position our economies to harness the benefits from 
e-commerce and digital trade, we recognise that  digital industrialisation necessarily requires a 
workforce that is equipped to leverage digital technologies, including frontier technologies. In this WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  regard, we thank Singapore for sharing their experience on digital upskilling.  CARICOM 
WTO Members  have also been engaged in efforts to boost the level of digital skills among the broader 
population and the workforce in particular. This is reflected in the introduction of apprenticeship 
programmes relating to the upskilling and reskilling of the labour force , including in the use of 
frontier technologies, in programming and in data analytics. Overall, there is the recognition of the 
need to equip our work force with the capacity to navigate and thrive in the dynamic digital economy. 
Also pertinent to digital industrialisation and transformation efforts would be progress with respect 
to financial inclusion. Access to digital solutions in this regard, including such financial services as 
mobile banking and digital payments, would be critical for facilitating cro ss-border payments, for 
example, thereby positioning businesses and consumers to engage in electronic commerce.  Finally, 
building digital capacity and securing progress with digital industrialisation would better position our 
region to benefit from the nea rshoring and friend -shoring trends that are emerging in the context of 
multiple crisis -induced supply chain disruptions and as a consequence of environment -related 
considerations. Building capacity to offer pertinent digital services, for example, could at tract 
investment to our region. This, in turn, would facilitate the expansion of digital infrastructure and, 
broadly speaking, boost efforts to build out robust e -commerce systems in the region, thereby 
deepening our participation in international e -commer ce and the digital economy.  
1.27.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
1.28.  Digitalization is akin to a fourth industrial revolution, the first three being led by 
mechanization, energy and Internet. While the first three industrial revolutio ns were characterized 
by rapid integration of specific technologies in the global economy, digitalization goes far beyond. 
Digital Industrialization can simultaneously address the problems of development, create new 
business models, bring significant opera tional efficiencies to the economies and help integrate 
developing countries in global value chains at a rapid scale and pace.  This is why digital 
industrialization  is a topic of great interest to the WTO Members as well. It can potentially address 
the gap s and the negative distributional effects of trade and holds a possibility towards addressing 
developmental challenges. It is in this broad context that India has been working to facilitate and 
accelerate an economy -wide digitalization process. We have spo ken about this in the previous 
sessions of the work programme. But to quickly recap, the Digital India program is the flagship 
mission of the government to transform governance delivery, create new public -private partnership 
models and foster entrepreneurs hip. India has used the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure to 
make sure that the society as a whole gains from the positive feedback loops digitalization creates.  
1.29.  Digital Industrialization is an emerging area, where the technologies progress and muta te at 
a rapid pace. Hence, it is important to ensure that all participating economies build the right digital 
skills, enabling regulatory frameworks which work in the specific contexts of the economy and have 
the flexibility to erect guardrails if the soci oeconomic objectives of digitalization are not being met. 
This thought was reflected in our interventions in the previous sessions of the Work Programme, 
where we have tried to demonstrate that while the headline problems like consumer protection, data 
privacy, regulatory enablement may be the same, their impact on individual WTO Members may be 
widely different.  This is also why our broad view has been that we need greater international 
cooperation,  which is not predicated on binding rules that limit the fl exibilities of the WTO 
membership. Digital industrialization will not work if there is market concentration which has several 
negative implications for businesses, consumers, as well as for regulatory authorities.  The economies 
of scope (requiring judgemen ts as to how far market power in one market extends into the others) 
and economies of scale (through huge investments which set high barriers to entry for potential 
competitors) are facilitated by digital industrialization but may also increase the complex ity for 
regulatory authorities. This key consideration should be kept in mind in WTO conversations, so that 
the focus is not to create disciplines, an approach which can potentially stifle innovation at the altar 
of cheap -capital -led entry barriers.  The de veloping countries need space to address their issues of 
digital divide and harness the true power of digitalization. A monopolistic or oligopolistic structure of 
a single global digital market , with unencumbered technology and data flows and the least pos sible 
regulation, may permanently close options for the developing countries to solve their issues of 
poverty and economic inequalities.  We welcome the comprehensive paper WT/GC/W/868 submitted 
by South Africa and the African Group on the need for policy s pace for industrialization including 
digital industrialization . This policy space will ensure that this huge opportunity is not evaluated from 
the lens of 'one shoe fits all ' approaches. We also welcome the paper submitted by Singapore.  WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  1.30.  The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
1.31.  We would like to appreciate the Singapore delegation for its comprehensive presentation.  
From the Indonesian perspective, digital industrialisation has emerged as a transformative force in 
our economy. We have witnessed the rapid growth of digital technologies, e -commerce platforms, 
and digital entrepreneurship, which have played a pivotal role in fostering inclusive economic 
development.  By embracing digitalization, Indonesia has opened up new avenues for job creation, 
enhanced productivity, and expanded access to markets for small and medium -sized enterprises 
(SMEs).  However, we are also mindful of the challenges that come with digital industrialisation.  
Despite the tremendous potential it off ers, there are still digital divides within and between nations, 
which must be addressed. Developing countries , and LDCs in particular, face obstacles such as 
limited digital infrastructure, insufficient human capital, and uneven regulatory frameworks.  Bridging 
these gaps requires a collective effort and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.  
To move forward with this issue, Indonesia believes in the importance of fostering an enabling 
environment that encourages innovation, protects consume rs, and promotes fair competition.  This 
includes investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, and the formulation of 
comprehensive policies that address the unique needs and challenges of the digital economy.  
Collaboration between public and private sectors, both domestically and internationally, is vital to 
create an ecosystem that nurtures digital entrepreneurship and ensures that the benefits of digital 
industrialisation are shared by all.  
1.32.   In this regard, the role of the WTO is paramount. As the global trade body, the WTO can play 
a significant role in facilitating international cooperation on digital industrialisation . First, promoting 
digital skills development : the WTO can collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support capacity -
buildi ng initiatives focused on digital skills development. This can involve providing technical 
assistance, training programs, and knowledge sharing platforms to help developing countries and 
LDCs enhance their human capital and adapt to the digital economy. Se cond, the WTO can continue 
to promote initiatives that bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity in digital industrialisation.  
This can include facilitating technology transfer, supporting the development of affordable and 
accessible digital infras tructure in developing countries and LDCs, and promoting the participation 
of women and marginalized groups in the digital  economy. And third, the WTO can continue to 
Monitor and analyse digital trade trends, including the impact of digital industrialisati on on various 
sectors. This information can inform policymaking and help Members adapt their regulatory 
frameworks to the evolving digital landscape.  Indonesia believes that digital industrialisation holds 
immense promise for inclusive and sustainable econ omic growth and by taking these additional 
measures, the WTO and its Members can help addressing the digital industrialisation issue and 
ensure that the benefits of the digital economy are maximized while minimizing potential risks and 
challenges.  
1.33.  The repr esentative of Mauritius  delivered the following statement:   
1.34.  The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in a new era of transformative 
technologies, reshaping economies and societies worldwide. The transformative process of 
integration of di gital technologies with traditional industrial sectors holds immense potential for 
countries, especially developing nations, to accelerate economic growth, enhance job creation, and 
bridge the digital divide. We will soon be talking of quantum computing an d technology and AI in all 
spheres, including notably in industrialisation.  While the benefits of digital industrialization are 
evident, we must also reckon that it presents a number of challenges. The digital divide remains a 
pressing concern, particularl y for developing countries. Bridging this divide requires concerted 
efforts, including capacity building, technology transfer, and international cooperation. 
We emphasize the need for inclusive trade policies that facilitate the participation of all nation s in 
the digital economy, ensuring that no one is left behind.  Furthermore, the ongoing discussions on 
e-commerce and digital industrialization must address the issue of digital trade barriers. Non -tariff 
measures, data localization requirements, and restr ictive regulations can impede the free flow of 
digital goods and services, hampering the growth of e -commerce and digital industrialization. It is 
essential for WTO Members to work towards establishing transparent, predictable, and inclusive 
rules that fos ter an enabling environment for digital trade.  
1.35.  Digital public infrastructure remains  the bedrock for the necessary technological foundations  
and policies. Reliable internet connectivity, payment gateways, digital identity systems, data storage 
and manageme nt platforms, cybersecurity measures, and user -friendly interfaces are needed for an 
enabling environment towards digital industrial transformation. The Fourth Industrial Revolution WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  needs robust digital payment infrastructures to support  and accelerat e the growth of e -commerce 
and digital industrialization and this goes in hand with an enabling regulatory framework aiming at 
achieving the right balance in facilitating innovation while ensuring the protection of consumer 
interests, privacy, fair competition and cybersecurity.  From lessons learned in a nutshell the main 
challenges faced by developing countries , namely SIDS,  in the process of industrial digitalisation 
are: lack of adequate Internet connectivity – Submarine cables, satellite coverage, FTTH coverage, 
mobile network coverage ; lack of digital payment infrastructure ; lack of appropriate distribution 
logistics ; lack of skilled resources and capacity in the field of  ICT; and  lack of proper legislations for 
regulating ICT matters especially when it comes to new and emerging technologies, and consumer 
protection . With respect to achiev ing Industry 4.0 objectives in addition to the above, developing 
countries face the s ame generic problems as developed countries namely in : networking capabilities 
and the operating environment ; data architectures and infrastructure ; cybersecurity and 
cyberthreats ; association  of people and processes ; and  harmonising transformation process es with 
external stakeholders . And now the complexities of managing API  (Application Processing Interface) 
opportunities and harnessing AI in a competitive edge perspective for many developing countries 
remains a remote challenge.   
1.36.  Allow me now to share wi th you a broad picture of the digital landscape fo r the industry of 
Mauritius.  In the area of connectivity, we can say that the digitalisation journey of Mauritius started 
in 2017 when FTTH (Fibre -To-The-Home) was deployed to every household in December 20 17 while 
mobile network coverage has almost reached 100%.  Mauritius is currently connected to the world 
through 3 submarine cables with a fourth  one to be operational by end of this year to make 
international connectivity more resilient. 5G networks are in  the process of being extended across 
the island for higher quality service.  Our Digital Public Infrastructure is further enhanced with an 
interoperability platform (the InfoHighway) for data exchange between Government agencies, which 
allows for improved public service delivery benefitting citizens, businesses and Government 
agencies. Regarding digital identity , we have implemented the MauPass identity system for 
integration with Government e -services or systems.  As informed in the previous dedicated sessi ons, 
Mauritius has enacted legislations to ensure a secure and trustworthy digital environment. We have 
implemented a data protection legislation and established mechanisms to safeguard personal data, 
bolstering trust among consumers and businesses alike. We also have a cybersecurity and 
cybercrime law and robust cybersecurity measures and incident response mechanisms in place to 
mitigate risks and build resilience in the digital ecosystem. Secondly, we advocate the importance 
of promoting fair competition and preventing anti -competitive practices in the digital sphere.  Our 
competition legislation has been updated to address challenges arising from digital markets, such 
as monopolistic behaviour, abuse of dominance, and discriminatory practices. We emphasize  the 
need for a level playing field that nurtures innovation, promotes market access, and prevents unfair 
advantage in the digital realm.  
1.37.  Moving ahead, Mauritius is of the view that international cooperation is important to advance 
digital industrialisatio n. Promoting engagement in regional and international forums to share 
experiences, learn from best practices, and foster collaboration in areas such as cross -border 
payments, harmonization of domestic laws, and cybersecurity remains key. As we embark on th is 
dedicated discussion on e -commerce and digital industrialization, Mauritius encourages all WTO 
Members to share their national experiences, keeping in mind the diverse perspectives and 
challenges we face.  We call for inclusive and sustainable digital in dustrialization, leveraging the 
opportunities offered by the Fourth Industrial Revolution to foster economic growth, create jobs, and 
bridge the digital divide. Together, we can shape a future where digital technologies empower 
nations, strengthen economie s, and advance the well -being of our citizens in an inclusive manner , 
not by excluding some economies and societies.  
1.38.  The representative of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
1.39.  As for other Members, the development of the digital economy is a key goal of Switzerland 's 
economic policy. Within the broader aim to achieve digital transformation, our government has 
issued a series of reports as well as a strategy, the Digital Switzerland Strategy.  The first and 
foremost aim is to create a positive environment for the Digital Economy through attractive economic 
policy conditions. These framework conditions include:  freedom of entrepreneurship;  the principle 
of legal certainty;  a flexible labour  market;  infrastructures;  a sustainable fiscal p olicy;  a relatively 
moderate tax burden; and,  a strong foundation in education and research.  While aiming at 
continuously improving these framework conditions, due regard is given to international regulatory 
developments and to adaptation of international rules.  WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  1.40.  A key aspect to ensure the growth of the digital economy is the labour market, which has 
undergone important changes in the last 25 years. For one, there has been a shift of occupation 
from the manufacturing to the service sectors; this development has been accompanied by an 
increased demand for higher qualifications in industries with a strong occupation growth. These 
changes are mainly due to technical progress and digitization. The service sector has seen a large 
increase in occupation, which has more than made up for the decrease in the other sectors. Based 
on the current labour market indices we assume that technological progress will continue to trigger 
similar changes, with the consequence that the labour market will require different qualifica tions. It 
will therefore be crucial that the necessary qualifications can be found quickly in the labour market. 
One key element to successfully meeting these challenges is education and the way it can prepare 
the labour force to the skills required in the  future.  With an important role given to vocational 
education and training, the Swiss education system has been found to be reactive to shifts in 
demand.  In this perspective, we have listened with interest to the presentation delivered by 
Singapore and C ARICOM  among others, that have provided insightful and concrete examples of 
measures to achieve digital in the labour  market.  
1.41.  While other policy areas , such as competition law, energy policy and infrastructure , play an 
important role in furthering the development of the digital economy, we would like to zoom in on 
the role of trade policy , which is the most relevant from a WTO perspective.  In Switzerland 's view, 
the most relevant trade policy aspects to develop the digital economy are a free and open internet, 
tariff-free trade on industrial and especially tech products, competitive communication services 
markets as well as a permissive regulatory system for online services and products.  Low or zero 
tariffs on imports of tech products, underpinned by instruments such as the GATT, ITA 1 and 2 as 
well as a network of FTAs, have allowed manufacturing to ever strongly integrate into global value 
chains and to remain competitive despite continuing currency appreciation. The Swiss manufacturing 
sector has a specialization in niche products relevant to the global manufacturing chains. Inputs into 
these products are sourced from across the world, and exports are of ten components themselves. 
Given the complexity of value chains, tariffs and other trade barriers interfere with the development 
of the manufacturing sector and are continuously reviewed through our trade policy instruments.  
Turning to services, competitiv e telecommunication markets allow for the provision of low prices and 
high-quality services. In addition to measures to ensure competition in the telecom sector, the Swiss 
government includes broadband internet connection requirements into the concession f or the 
provision of universal basic telecom munications  services. The minimum data transfer rate for the 
concession is 10 Mbit per second, a rate that will be increased as of 2024.  Another important 
framework condition is a free and open internet and a perm issive stance toward online services. This 
has allowed creative and innovation -driven industries to develop, and business situated in 
Switzerland to procure digital inputs for both the manufacturing and services sectors. Switzerland 
has anchored the princi ple of net neutrality in its telecommunications code in 2019.  
1.42.  To conclude, let me highlight that in order to create legal certainty and avoid unnecessary 
trade barriers for the development of both the manufacturing and the digital services sectors, 
Switze rland has mainstreamed digital trade into its foreign trade policy strategy.  We are seeking to 
conclude digital chapters in FTAs and participate in the WTO e -commerce JSI, with the aim to 
conclude ambitious rules ensuring the cross -border flow of data whil e catering for the need to protect 
personal data; and ensuring that the internet remains free of customs duties by adopting a 
permanent rule on customs duties for electronic transmissions. It is for the same reason that we are 
committed to renewing the WTO  moratorium on customs duties on  the occasion of the 13th Ministerial 
Conference. Chair, let me thank you for the opportunity to share a number of aspects of the Swiss 
government 's policy towards the development of the digital economy.  
1.43.  The representative o f South Africa , on behalf  of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
1.44.  Madam Chair, t he Africa n Group commends the manner in which you have been steering the 
dedicated discussions. This is an important contribution that can lay a foundation for  the mandate 
given to us by Minsters at MC12 to reinvigorate the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce . The 
reinvigoration of the Work Programme  must ultimately deliver on the developmental aspects of the 
e-commerce Work Programme . Having said this , Madam Facilitator, the 1998 Work Programme , set 
out in WT/L/274 , is clear that the CTG, CTD, CTS, and TRIPS Council have an important role to play 
in carrying out the Work Programme . In addition, it is clear that these bodies are expected to play 
a fundam ental role in delivering on the issues within their mandates.  Hence, it was disappointing 
that some delegations refused to engage with the Work Programme  on E-commerce in the WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
- 11 - 
 
  TRIPS  Council  meeting  of 14-15 June on the grounds that they perceived such a dis cussion to be a 
duplication of the dedicated discussions.  A reading of the Work Programme instrument cannot 
accommodate this view.  
1.45.  On today's topic, where v alue addition and the digital economy  are concerned, t he case for 
industrialisation to underpin econ omic development, particularly for developing countries, seems to 
us to be clear. For late comers , the path is still difficult and industrialising in the context of 
digitalisation and climate change adds layers of complexity. Realizing the potential benefi ts from a 
digital world will require ambitious policies across a wide range of areas in a coherent way. We would 
need a comprehensive and integrated approach covering at least five areas: (i) providing enabling 
legal and regulatory frameworks by devising n ational data regulatory policies including for easy and 
secure e -transactions ; (ii) policy tools to support start -up ecology and other domestic digital 
businesses ; (iii) building public digital and data infrastructures ; (iv) regulating digital platforms, 
developing national platforms and developing the requisite competition policies for this ; (v) building 
digital infrastructure and digital skills ; (vi) taxation; and (vii) developing digital industrial policies.  
1.46.  The mainstay of the digital economy  is digita l businesses based primarily on data collected 
from outside their business systems — from personal, social, artefactual  or natural sources. It is the 
digital intelligence obtained from such data that is employed to create competitive advantage. 
Hence, the issues related to data ownership and sovereignty are key to digital industrialisation. Data 
is a strategic national asset, to be leveraged appropriately if developing countries, especially in Africa 
are to digitally industrialise.  The fusion of technologie s that is blurring the lines between the physical, 
digital, and biological spheres in significant ways requires a proper understanding. This has 
significant implication for not only new productive capacity but also existing industries, hence the 
importance  of the Work Programme on E -Commerce  and the issues arising therein.  
1.47.  The digital economy has emerged as a powerful driver of economic growth and development 
worldwide, transforming industries and enabling new opportunities. Africa, with its immense 
potenti al and rapidly growing population, stands to benefit greatly from harnessing the digital 
revolution. To maximize these benefits, it is crucial for African nations to develop robust industrial 
policies that are tailored to the unique challenges and opportun ities presented by the 
digital  economy. Development in the digitalization context is about domestic value addition in any 
sector, and about industrial policy to ensure that digitalization works for development. Economic 
development has traditionally been a ssociated with the process of structural transformation. This 
implies moving up in the value chain from low productivity sectors to higher productivity and 
value -added ones.  In practice, this has traditionally been observed in sectoral changes in productio n, 
from agriculture and other natural resources, towards industry – especially manufacturing – and 
then to higher value services. This is captured in the UNCTAD Digital Economy Report of 2019 .3 
 
  Source: UNCTAD, Digital Economy Report 2019 (page 43). 
 
3 https://unctad.org/publication/digital -economy -report -
2019#:~:text=The%20rapid%20s pread%20of%20digital,least%20developed%20countries%2C%20further%2
0behind .  
WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  1.48.  With digitalization, a new dimension for potential value addition emerges. Digitalization can 
take place in agriculture, industry/manufacturing and services, may involve adding value 
domestically through the data value chain of data collection, data p rocessing, data analysis and 
monetization of the data.  While the processes of value addition reflected in the traditional sense of 
structural change remain valid, in the digital -economy context the economy can also move from 
agriculture to all digitalized sectors. There can still be a shift from traditional industrial activities 
towards non -digitalized services, but now also to digitalized industry (also known as Industry 4.0) 
and digitalized services. Value addition in the services sector can be achieved b y moving up the 
value chain to digitalized services.  
1.49.  Africa has experienced remarkable growth in the digital economy, with increasing internet 
penetration, smartphone adoption, and technology -driven entrepreneurship. The UNCTAD Digital 
Economy Report of 20 19 emphasizes the significance of the digital economy in fostering inclusive 
growth, reducing inequalities, and creating employment opportunities in Africa. The Digital Economy 
Report  gives special attention to opportunities for these countries to take adv antage of the data -
driven economy as producers and innovators – but also to the constraints they face – notably with 
regard to digital data and digital platforms.  Addressing the digital divide is crucial for ensuring 
inclusive growth in Africa's digital ec onomy. Governments should prioritize policies that promote 
affordable and widespread access to the internet and digital technologies, particularly in remote and 
underserved areas.  Enhancing digital infrastructure, such as reliable broadband connectivity, i s 
essential for unlocking the full potential of the digital economy. Governments should invest in the 
development of robust telecommunications networks and data centres , while promoting 
public -private partnerships to ensure efficient infrastructure deploym ent.  
1.50.  Developing countries including LDCs need sufficient policy space to use industrial policy to 
ensure that digitalization works for increasing domestic value addition (development), both by 
developing the digital sector and by digitalizing the economy.  In a global context where developed 
countries are increasingly using industrial policy to support their strategic sectors, developing 
countries can have even more ground to use their own industrial policies. Unfortunately, the amount 
of resources availabl e for that is much more limited.  Multilateral institutions should coalesce around 
mobilization of resources to assist developing countries address these issues. In terms of the role 
for the WTO , the scope and definition of the moratorium is important to as sess its impact on not 
only digital industrialisation but on existing industries.  The recognition of data as a strategic asset 
and the importance of preserving the use of data for development should be critical in the efforts to 
ensure an inclusive approac h to digital trade at both national and multilateral level.  Members need 
to understand the importance of preserving policy space for digital industrialisation when many 
countries and governments are still seeking to address the digital divide in all its ma nifestations.  
1.51.  The representative of Uruguay  delivered the following statement:  
1.52.  We take this opportunity to thank Singapore for their interesting presentation and to recognize 
their continued efforts to contribute to the work under th e Work Programme.  The d evelopment and 
adoption of information and communication technologies can be instrumental in addressing 
unprecedented global challenges, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  
Given its importance to the smooth functioning of intern ational trade and in line with some of the 
considerations made by Singapore and other delegations, we agree, especially for small countries 
with relatively scarce natural resources, that the industrial and economic development of the digital 
sector can be achieved fundamentally by strengthening the capacities and the quality of their human 
resources. Regarding the development of digital skills to make the most of the opportunities offered 
by electronic commerce, we wish to make a brief reference to the Basi c Information Technology 
Educational Connectivity for Online Learning (CEIBAL) Plan. This Plan, which was intended for 
primary education, started in 2007 and consists of providing each student at this level in the public 
education system with a personal co mputer  free of charge. The Plan continued to be developed and 
was transformed into a centre of educational innovation using digital technologies, content platforms 
and learning management systems, which provided an essential basis for enforcing the social 
distancing measures adopted during the COVID -19 pandemic.  The CEIBAL Plan made it possible to 
narrow the digital divide, in particular among school children, promote digital inclusion and the 
effective enjoyment of rights, including access to the Internet.    
1.53.  Unlike other traditional sectors or development paradigms that are based on import 
substitution , the digital economy has its own characteristics and requires discussion to enhance 
understanding. Industrial digital development is reflected less in the av ailability of smokestacks  or WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  natural resources ; rather, it is based on the availability of cables and digital infrastructure to enable 
interconnectivity. Furthermore, regarding infrastructure, the ability to make the most of the 
opportunities offered by e -commerce derives from innovation and creativity, as a knowledge - and 
talent -intensive sector, this is determined in large measure by the provision of basic IT skills and 
creative skills that are developed and nurtured in an open, accessible environment with regulatory 
compatibility and facilities to operate and manage information across borders. We agr ee that the 
concentration of economic power and the characteristics of competition are important issues. 
Nevertheless, at the same time, we observe that the digital economy is a huge ocean with actors of 
different shapes and sizes. Specialized technical ex changes in these areas will no doubt be valuable.     
1.54.  Regarding the work being carried out by this organization and the Work Programme on 
E-commerce , considering that both domestic  tech firms and the domestic market are small, these 
firms necessarily orien t their activities towards international markets. Meeting human resources  
needs and fostering the development of local businesses require favourable external environments, 
including how to help foster transparent, predictable and non -discriminatory interna tional trade, as 
well as international cooperation to facilitate interoperability of tech firm activities, in particular the 
activities of small and medium -sized enterprises.  
1.55.  The representative of Korea, Republic of  delivered the following statement:  
1.56.  Let me start by thanking Singapore for sharing its experience and perspectives on digital 
industrialization. Korea would also like to echo the importance of a government 's efforts for digital 
transformation as well as digital upskilling to enhance e-commerce f acilitation. In this regard, I am 
pleased to share Korea 's Industrial Digital Transformation Promotion Act and the measures it 
encompasses, which we consider essential for strengthening industry competitiveness in the digital 
economy. Among others I would like to highlight four key elements. First, the Act introduces 
principles of data use and data protection that have not been covered by other laws and regulations. 
The Act preserves rights of data creators who have made significant investments and contribu tions, 
enabling them to exclusively utilize and profit from the data. Korea believes that this measure will 
provide businesses with clarity and better conditions for creating and leveraging data. Second, Korea 
aims to establish data platforms where busines ses can share and utilize their available data. 
Collaborative data sharing within sectors will foster mutual innovation thus adding new value to the 
industry. Since 2021, Korea has initiated fourteen sector -specific data platform projects, including 
those focused on future vehicle, shipbuilding, home appliances and electronics. These platforms 
provide helpful and appropriate data to businesses in demand.  
1.57.  Third, the Korean Government encourages private actors to form alliance s within each 
business sector and has established  a Cooperation Support Center to address the innovative need s 
of these alliances. Currently there are 10 alliances actively working on identifying their own tasks 
for digital transition, with over 450 private  actors, including businesses and research institutions 
participating. The Cooperation Support Center, which is operated by a government -affiliated 
non-profit corporation, provides consultation, facilitates business matching based on supply and 
demand, and  promotes information sharing. Lastly, the Act has prompted the Government to launch 
the Artificial Intelligence Internalization Strategy, which aims to foster the widespread use of artificial 
intelligence across industries. This strategy facilitates colla boration between businesses possessing 
AI technology and potential , and those in need of such technology. The government plays an 
important role in selecting target groups, fostering communication between parties, and offering 
consultation. Furthermore, in dustry experts receive training program mes at various level so that 
they could provide expertise throughout all stages of AI development in their respective sectors. The 
strategy also calls for the removal of unnecessary regulations that hinder private sec tor-driven 
growth during the digital transition. The Korean government is actively working on streamlining the 
regulatory measures in this respect. To conclude, as the measures I mentioned are based on our 
own analysis of Korea 's domestic industrial landsc ape, Korea is looking forward to listening to the 
experiences of other Members and learning from them to further refine our strategy, ultimately 
strengthening industrial competitiveness for global trade. We believe that these experience -sharing 
opportuniti es can enable Members to navigate the evolving digital era in a harmonized manner and 
enjoy the benefits of e-commerce and digital trade.  
1.58.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement : 
1.59.  Thank you, Facilitator, for organising ano ther dedicated meeting in the context of your well -
working work plan for the reinvigoration of the e -commerce Work Programme, in particular focusing WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  on the priorities, challenges and opportunities related to digital economies and e -commerce faced 
by develo ping countries. Today we are addressing another pertinent topic relating to digital trade or 
e-commerce, namely, how to create the conditions for the digital industrialisation of the economy. 
I will share some of the recent  priorities and actions by the EU  in this area including some 
cooperation actions with developing countries . In March 2021 the European Commission adopted a 
communication '2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade' setting out its 
vision to empower citizens and busines ses in the EU through digital transformation over the decade 
to 2030 (the 'Digital Decade').  The EU's Digital Decade policy adopted in 2022 sets out four goals:  
a digitally skilled population and highly skilled digital professionals;  secure and sustainable digital 
infrastructures;  digitalisation of public services;  and digital transformation of businesses.  In order  
to achieve these goals, specific targets are to be met across the EU Member States.  This is 
complemented by a policy programme to dev ise the tools relevant to these goals , including:  
• Actions to promote digital skills needed for businesses to operate in a digitalised world – 
this affects all types of business, from digital businesses to physical production 
businesses, transport, and even  including farming, as well as digital skills for citizens and 
consumers in order to enable them to engage with digital businesses. As noted in the 
Work Programme meeting on the digital divide, the EU and EU Member States are 
contributing to the developmen t of digital skills in developing countries, with a focus on 
intermediate and specialised skills for participation in the digital economy, for instance 
through our contribution to the African Union Digital Education Strategy .4   
 
• Updating legislative fram eworks to address the challenges posed by digitalisation and to 
allow businesses to operate in a digital environment – as discussed in previous Work 
Programme meetings this includes consumer protection rules and the legal and regulatory 
frameworks to facil itate digital trade.  
 
• Developing capacity to ensure cybersecurity - the aim of this strategy is to  strengthen 
Europe 's resilience  against cyberthreats and ensure that all citizens and businesses can 
fully benefit from trustworthy and reliable services and digital tools. The European Union 
has supported a number of projects on cyber capacity, in Africa, Latin America and the 
Caribbean, and has provided support to public administrations in Latin America and the 
Caribbean region via the European Commission 's Technical Assistance and Information 
Exchange instrument, which facilitates the sharing of EU best practices.  
 
• Devising strategies and rules in relation to the use of data, which is a key input for all 
businesses in this era of digital industrialisation.  
 
1.60.  Data is an essential factor of production and consequently of digital industrialisation. Data is 
the basis for many new products and services, driving productivity and resource efficiency gains 
across all sectors of the economy and across the globe. As suc h, data is an essential resource for 
start-ups and small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing new and innovative products 
and services.  The EU set out its data strategy in 2020, and the first step of a comprehensive data 
framework, the EU's Da ta Governance Act, will be fully applicable from September 2023.  The aim of 
the Data Governance Act is to increase trust in data sharing, strengthen mechanisms to increase  
data availability and overcome technical obstacles to the reuse of data in the EU. I t will set up 
sharing mechanisms (so -called "data spaces " for health, environment, energy, agriculture, mobility, 
finance, manufacturing, public administration and skills), agreements and technical standards.  
Through the establishment of structures and pr ocesses for the sharing of data in a secure manner, 
businesses, both small and large, will benefit from new opportunities as well as from a reduction in 
costs for acquiring, integrating and processing data, lower barriers to enter markets, and a reduction 
in time -to-market for novel products and services.  Whenever  data is being transferred, mechanisms 
will be in place that ensure compliance with the  EU rules on the protection of personal data and to 
preserve the commercial confidentiality of the data.  With regard to the data governance in 
developing countries, the European Union launched jointly with the African Union Commission, Smart 
Africa, and a number of EU Member States a framework to design data policies with a view of building 
a data economy while p romoting privacy, security and an open internet.  
1.61.  Finally, the EU would like to emphasize the importance of the moratorium on customs duties 
on electronic transmissions for the digital industrialisation  of developed and developing countries 
 
4 https://aspyee.org/resource/digital -education -strategy   WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  alike. The morat orium  provides regulatory stability, promotes investment and gives nascent digital 
businesses, particularly in developing countries, the opportunity to scale and grow by ensuring 
duty-free access to neighbouring and worldwide markets. The moratorium also m akes it possible for 
businesses and consumers in developing countries to access high -quality digital services from across 
the world at lower cost, including learning and skills services delivered online. To conclude  our 
intervention today, EU takes note of  the very useful workshop on 1 -2 June 2023 with international 
organisations and looks forward to progressing with further in -depth discussions in the dedicated 
sessions, including on the topics already covered in the context of the Work Programme this year  in 
advance of MC13. We would also welcome contributions from the private sector and academia to 
these discussions, as we believe  that their insights and analysis would assist in understanding the 
issues and in ensuring that concrete benefits are achieved.  
1.62.  The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
1.63.  We express our appreciation to Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for convening today 's 
dedicated session. We also thank Singapore for its communication and presentation. We definitely 
see the importa nce of the digital industry, and according to statistics, global exports of digitally 
delivered services have grown in value nearly fourfold since 2005. Therefore, we believe that the 
digital industry is one of the key drivers of the growth of the world ec onomy. This fact is underscored 
by the C OVID -19 pandemic - the need for digital services, in particular cross -border digital services, 
has been re -realized . We also believe that all Members should equally share the benefit from the 
development of electronic commerce. In this regard, digital industrialization is a fundamental issue 
in terms of how all Members can participate in global digital trade not just as  consumers, but also 
as producers.  The digital industry potentially covers a wide range of sectors. The companies and 
organizations dedicated to developing digital infrastructure and products, such as software 
development firms, electronics manufacturers, and telecommunications companies, could be 
categorized as digital industry. We also consider that the industry that utilizes digital technology, 
including businesses across various sectors, ranging from finance and healthcare to manufacturing 
and retail, w ould also sometimes fall into this category. In any case, these sectors play a critical role 
in pushing the boundaries of what is possible and driving the digital revolution forward. We see that 
one key advantage of using digital technology is the relative ly low costs compared to other types of 
products or services. The initial cost of adopting digital solutions is often lower, allowing for greater 
accessibility and flexibility for new players entering the market. This can foster entrepreneurship 
and innova tion, opening doors for small and medium -sized enterprises to thrive.   
1.64.  To fully harness the benefits of such digital industrialization, it is crucial to establish an 
environment that supports the usage of a wide range of digital services. While maintaining  robust 
digital infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity, secure data storage, and advanced 
communication networks, we think that access to worldwide digital services and platforms, including 
cloud computing, data analytics, and automation tools, should be ensured. Governments and 
policymakers are expected to play a significant role in shaping this environment by creating domestic 
and international regimes that encourage technological adoption and protect digital assets, while 
investing in d igital infrastructure and implementing supportive regulations. In our case, although 
investment in the digital infrastructure is driven by private enterprises, we have created or 
participated in international trade agreements in bilateral or rational conte xts, which in particular 
have several provisions regarding cross -border digital service, such as data free flow, prohibition of 
data localization, source code, cryptography, and a permanent ban o n customs duties on electronic 
transmission.  
1.65.  However , beyond such rule -making and digital infrastructure, the success of digital 
industrialization relies on the cultivation of knowledge and skills. Digital industries are typically 
knowledge -driven, demanding a workforce proficient in digital literacy, data analysis,  programming, 
and cybersecurity, among other specialized areas. Therefore, capacity building becomes important 
for digital transformation and digital industrialization. This involves investing in education and 
training program mes to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the digital economy. 
Collaboration between academia, industry, and government is essential to ensure that educational 
curricula and professional development initiatives align with the evolving needs of the digital 
industry. In this  regard, some of the measures included in Singapore 's presentation would be of 
interest  to us. Japan has been conduct ing a wide range of capacity building projects, including digital 
transformation and other digital -related projects, to developing countrie s mainly through the Official 
Development Assistance in bilateral contexts. We see there are a wide range of capacity building 
projects at country or regional level, as well as those offered by intergovernmental or international WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  organizations. Therefore, i t would be good for the relevant actors to share existing projects or plans 
of such capacity building related to digital industrialization. In doing so , the potential unnecessary 
duplication could be avoided, while the  efficacy of individual projects could  address supply side  
constraints  thus increasing the overall capacity building . The WTO might potentially be able to 
contribute to this issue ideally from the trade perspective, for instance by holding some sessions  
inviting the relevant actors to share in formation and knowledge . As we highlighted, digital 
industrialization or digital transformation should be an important issue for all WTO Members to join 
international digital trade. We would still be interested in sharing our experiences in this regard.  
1.66.  The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
1.67.  I would like to thank Singapore and other Members for their very interesting presentations 
and for sharing their reflection and national experience. I  will begin by saying that the UK welcomes 
today 's discussion on Digital Industrialisation. Technological development and its transformative 
impact o n our economies was brought to the fore during C OVID -19 pandemic and has made clear 
that efforts need to be made to accelerate the development of digital skills to match evolving industry 
needs. This will enable individuals as well as businesses to harness  the opportunities of digitalisation, 
adopt innovative and inclusive business models, and increase industry transformation and efficiency.   
1.68.  To talk briefly about the UK 's experience and what we are doing, in line with your opening 
question  Chair, the UK , to support digitalisation and growth , has established a portfolio of targeted 
policies and programmes to address digital upskilling at the individual level, enterprise le vel, and 
industry -level. These programmes are also in place internationally through our programming support 
in developing countries to support the digitalisation of their economies and skillsets. Within the UK, 
to improve digital skills, the UK Government has launched a local initiative called the 'Skills Toolkit ', 
a free online learning platform to improve digital workplace skills.  The UK is also working with 
industry to pioneer digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to crack down on global  
challenges as part of a world -first 'data trust ' programme. More than £700,000 has been invested 
in the initiative to tackle issues such as illegal wildlife poaching and food waste mountains. The aim 
of the scheme, run by the Open Data Institute and the U K Government 's Office for Artificial 
Intelligence, is to exploit the power of data exchange between organisations with the raw data and 
those with expertise to process it to tackle major global issues.  
1.69.  The UK is also actively engaged at the international l evel to help address the challenges of 
developing countries in e -commerce and the digital economy. Certain groups, such as women and 
people with disabilities, face a greater risk of digital exclusion. To address this, the UK has 
established the Digital Ski lls Innovation Fund5 to support initiatives that aim to help 
underrepresented groups or people from disadvantaged backgrounds get into digital roles or further 
training. The UK Government has provided over £1 million in funding for regional initiatives ai med 
at helping people take up digital roles. For example, to promote gender inclusivity, the UK 
Government has supported the SITA initiative6 between India and five East African Countries through 
the hashtag SheGoesDigital project. This initiative was cre ated to provide training in high -demand 
skills to young Kenyan female university graduates from marginalized backgrounds.  The UK has also 
supported women -owned businesses through the SheTrades Commonwealth programme,7 to take 
advantage of online trading o pportunities using digital platforms. This work has helped businesses 
in 30 countries across Africa, Asia, South America, the Caribbean and Europe to adapt their operating 
models and maintain client bases during global lockdowns. In conclusion, we all know  digital 
industrialisation and digital skills will remain important topics for decades to come. Given this reality, 
the UK will continue to work on minimising the gaps and challenges in e -commerce and the digital 
economy through upskilling domestically and  globally.  
1.70.  The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
1.71.  Canada is very happy to participate today  in the Dedicated Discussion  under  the Work 
Programme on E lectronic Commerce . Hearing  Members perspectives , including challenges and 
opport unities for developing countries , is a very enriching exercise. We thank delegations for having 
shared their national experience on today's topic and particularly the delegation of Singapore  for 
 
5 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new -funds -to-boost -diversity -of-people -working -in-digital -and-
tech-jobs.  
6 https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/projects/GB -1-202762/summary . 
7 https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/projects/GB -GOV-1-300593/summary . WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  their detailed presentatio n. In order to contribute to the discussion, Canada would like to also share 
its national experience.  In our view, digital industrialization relates to digitalization, digital 
transformation/transition, digital adoption, and the concept of "Industry 4.0 " that we strive to 
advance through domestic policy.  These issues are also relevant to Canada given our very diverse 
country, which includes cities with modern digital infrastructure as well as remote and marginalized 
communities. Here some examples:  First, Canad a promotes connectivity and access to high -speed 
Internet across Canada through the Universal Broadband Fund. We also recognize  the need for 
better  Internet  access  as a global issue  that merits further attention by relevant international 
organizations.  Secondly,  Canada aims to  develop skills in the workforce to train Canadians in 
high-growth sectors through the Upskilling for Industry Initiative, digital technology  chief among 
them. Canada also provides transformative investments for research, development a nd 
commercialization of digital technologies through the Strategic Innovation Fund.  
1.72.   We also recognize the benefits of digitalization  for our own government  and thus our citizens. 
Through the digital government program me, Canada aims to transform how the g overnment serves 
Canadians by harnessing the power of digital technologies.  Canada 's Digital Charter, a landmark 
piece of legislation in Canada,  sets out principles to ensure that  privacy is protected, data -driven 
innovation is human -centred, and Canadian organizations can lead the world in  digital  innovations.  
As a whole, Canada 's approach  to digital industrialization consists of providing  enabling legal  and 
regulatory frameworks  and a safe digital environment for easy and secure e -transactions,  supporting  
domestic digital start -up businesses and SMEs,  building  robust  digital and data infrastructures, 
and developing public/community digital platforms in key areas.  For all these  elements, we 
collaborate with the international  community.  As we continue our de ep dive into issues related to 
trade aspects of electronic commerce, we would like to reiterate our interest to hear more informally 
from relevant subject matter experts, the private sector, in addition to the relevant international 
organizations, as propo sed by the co -sponsors of document WT/GC/W/855/Rev.2 . We also look 
forward to hearing more from other Members  and learn from their own experiences.  
1.73.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
1.74.  We thank Ambassador Dwarka -Canaba dy for convening today 's session on digital 
industrialization and Singapore for its input on digital skills. It has been interesting to hear from a 
broad range of Members. We are hearing a lot of common viewpoints and learning something new 
about unique ch allenges.  With technologies such as 3 -D printing, machine learning, and artificial 
intelligence likely to significantly transform global business and trade, today 's session is timely and 
important.  As Singapore pointed out in its helpful slide deck, a comm on area of focus for developed 
and developing countries alike must be digital skills capacity building. Digital skills have rapidly 
grown in importance. In the United States, the percent of US jobs that require medium -high digital 
skill levels increased fr om 44 % to 70% from 2002 to 2016. According to the Information Technology 
and Innovation Foundation, "for every 10 percent increase in ICT -task intensity, the average 
US worker 's salary increases 4 percent. " As digital advances transform virtually every industry, it is 
increasingly important for workers in non -tech industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and 
hospitality to boost their levels of digital expertise. There is also an important gender compo nent to 
this issue. According to a 2021 CompTIA report, "nationally, women represent approximately 49 
percent of the US workforce, but only 26 percent of 'tech occupations '." I will highlight a 
ground -breaking  program that is seeking to fix this problem. T he international non -profit "Girls Who 
Code"8 is working to help address the drop -off that is seen for girls engaged in computer science 
which occurs between the ages of 13 and 17. With locations in the United States, Canada, the United 
Kingdom and India , this group provides age -appropriate clubs, college and career programs, and 
summer programs designed to boost girls ' digital skills during a decisive time in their  lives.  
1.75.  In US aid programs, digital skills and industrialization are also a top focus. I ha ve previously 
shared with you information on the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA),9 a program launched 
in December 2022 that will invest over USD 350 million and facilitate over USD 450 million in 
financing in line with the African Union 's Digital  Transformation Strategy10 and the US Strategy 
 
8 https://girlswhocode.com/ . 
9 https://www.whitehouse.gov/bri efing-room/statements -releases/2022/12/14/fact -sheet -new-
initiative -on-digital -transformation -with-africa -dta/. 
10 https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38507 -doc-dts-english.pdf .  WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  Toward Sub -Saharan Africa.11 As part of this effort, the United States Agency for International 
Development (USAID) is leading interagency efforts to increase digital skills and literacy, enhance 
digital entre preneurship, and strengthen public sector digital service delivery. USAID is leveraging 
existing capabilities and networks, such as through the Young African Leaders Initiative,12 to mobilize 
digital leaders, especially women and members of other marginali zed communities, across 
sub-Saharan Africa to foster the growth of local digital businesses and ecosystems. Beyond this 
work, USAID is helping facilitate investment and promoting business friendly reforms to support the 
development of the digital sector.   
1.76.  The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)13 is working with its partner countries to address 
country -driven digital transformation priorities, harmonize regulatory and enabling environments, 
and attract private sector investment. To advance inclusive and  resilient growth, MCC is helping to 
ensure that digital skills and services reach underserved communities, youth, and women; promote 
digital innovation; and harness the private sector to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.  
Another innovative initiat ive is the Responsible Computer Science Challenge (RCSC).14 In this 
collaborative effort between USAID and Mozilla, in November 2022, they announced that they would 
provide at least 10 grants of USD 25,000 for Kenyan innovation hubs and accredited institut ions of 
higher education that blend ethics and computer science curricula. RCSC supports the 
conceptualization, development, and piloting of curricula that empowers students to think about the 
social implications of computing. In the long term, RCSC suppor ts the education of a new wave of 
technologists who take ethics into account in their work and design human -centric technology.  
We thank the Facilitator, Singapore, and all Members for sharing information on their digital 
industrialization initiatives and priorities and would welcome returning to this topic from time -to-
time in the future to continue to share best practices as we all endeavour to harness the newest 
technologies for the benefit of our economies and workers.  
1.77.  The representative of the Australi a delivered the following statement:  
1.78.  Australia welcomes this opportunity to discuss digital industrialisation and the possibilities and 
challenges that it presents for all our countries.  This discussion has been most engaging. While it 
has been a tricky topic to nail down, and there are certainly a variety of perspectives and starting 
points, I sense some common threads coming through.  I would like to thank  Singapore for its 
presentation and others for their statements.  For Australia, digital indus trialisation is about 
improving access to technology and data, developing digital skills and infrastructure, and enabling 
e-commerce . It is also about offering Australians access to cost -effective, safe, secure and inclusive 
technologies . We are intent on being a trusted partner for investment, research and innovation. But 
to be competitive in the digital world requires that we stay up to date with the changing digital and 
regulatory landscape.  
1.79.  Australia has established a Digital Technology Taskforce , under our Prime Minister and Cabinet 
Department,  that coordinates digital policy across the whole of the economy and advises government 
on: changes in the digital technology landscape;  the impact and uptake of high potential emerging 
technologie s, like AI and quantum ; digital adoption by small and medium enterprises;  digital skills 
and inclusion;  the role and use of data in the digital economy; and, international policy 
developments.  The role of the Taskforce is to position Australia to be a lead ing digital economy by 
2030, including by working with industry (large and small), the community and with relevant 
Australian Government agencies.  
1.80.  The rules that we are negotiating in the e -commerce JSI, including on cross -border data flows, 
are a further  example of how we are seeking to support the most dynamic sectors of our economies , 
for example . A larger part of the services economy is now tradable through the application of digital 
technologies . The e -commerce moratorium is also key to ensuring natio ns benefit from trade and 
digital industrialisation, and Australia strongly supports its continuation.  Australia welcomes this 
discussion on how we can all boost our economic prosperity through support for an open and 
innovative global digital economy.   
 
11 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing -room/statements -releases/2022/08/08/fact -sheet -u-s-strategy -
toward -sub-saharan -africa/ . 
12 https://yali.state.gov/ . 
13 https://www.mcc.gov/ . 
14 https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/what -we-fund/awards/responsible -computer -science -challenge/ . WT/GC/WPEC/M/6  
 
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  1.81.  The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:   
1.82.  First, I would like to share that I  am glad to hear Members ' experiences. And while I 
acknowledge China's point on the lack of a common definition of digital industrialization, I think 
Members have echoed a common theme , i.e.,  the need to help people to have the right skills and 
be upskilled. I  have heard that from Uruguay , Trinidad and Tobago, as well as many others. The 
second point I want to make is in relation to what South Africa mentioned , that data is a resource 
that should be kept localised for domestic digital development. I would like to give a 
counterargument to say that data is the most democratising resource in our times, and we should 
keep it free flowing, particularly in the interest of small developing countries  which are not well 
endowed with resource s. We have seen that traditional industries require very high fixed asset costs 
and investment. But today's digital industry has transformed the situation entirely, allowing  
developing countries to ride on the surge of services sector to leapfrog development , which are key 
for economic outcomes. I  am not saying that this is easy, but this is a huge opportunity and I think 
for us , as Members, we should  not do ourselves a disse rvice by blocking data flows. This is also why 
Singapore has asked for the permanent prohibition of custom duties on electronic transmission s. We 
welcome further discussion on this. I think it has been extremely helpful to learn about  the challenges 
faced by developing Members and  we look forward to further discussion s.  
1.83.  The Chairperson  noted that although this had been a short session, Members had shared  an 
impressive amount of information. She requested the Secretariat to insert in the minutes of 
proceedi ngs, for ease of access, all the reference s that had been made to the different funds and 
initiatives; for example, UNCTAD's Digital Economic Report , the African Union Education Fund 
mentioned by the EU and the SheTrade s programme  mentioned  by the UK. She noted that a lot of 
these programme s existed,  but Members did not necessarily know about them, so this would be 
useful information.  She further noted that Members ha d asked  to continue discussion s on this  topic. 
Members had found convergence on the need to change mindsets , to make them more digitally 
receptive. In that regard, s he asked delegations to reflect on how it could be done and how to  help 
smaller,  or the less able developing countries reach the level they would need to achieve digital 
indus trialization. She asked how to create universal models that could help everyone. She noted 
that t his was probably not the role of the WTO, but perhaps Members could think of an answer that 
could be submitted to other forums as well.  
1.84.  She remind ed delegation s to send their statements to the Secretariat  to assist with the 
preparation of the minutes of proceed ings. She thanked delegations for their continued interest and 
participation in the dedicated session and remind ed them  that the following session would  be held  
on 18 July and would focus on the moratorium.   She recalled that a  session on the moratorium had 
taken place in April and that additional information had been provided during the workshop with 
IGOs. Therefore, the second session on the moratorium sh ould enable Members to go into  more 
detail s and more specific issues .  
1.85.  The meeting was adjourned.  
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