UNITED NATIONSECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFICSTATISTICAL INSTITUTE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFICWEBINAR ON MEASURING DIGITAL TRADE
6 March 2024

Concept NoteI.

Background

The IMF-OECD-UNCTAD-WTO Handbook on Measuring Digital Trade defines digital trade as “all international trade that is digitally ordered and/or digitally delivered". This definition, which has beenendorsed by countries through international consultation, serves as the foundation for a conceptual
measurement framework that aligns seamlessly with broader macroeconomic accounts.
Digital trade transactions are a subset of existing trade transactions, as measured in internationalmerchandise trade statistics and international trade in services statistics. Digitalization increases theinvolvement of small firms and households in international trade. Traditional data sources, which
often rely on data from large firms, may not fully capture this involvement. This discrepancy presents challenges in measurement.
To address these challenges effectively, it is imperative to reassess the existing data sources in termsof their coverage and accuracy. This not only facilitates the development of digital trade statistics
but also enhances the measurement of international trade.
This webinar will provide the participants with a clear understanding of the importance of measuring digital trade, and the conceptual framework for measuring digital trade whilst focusing on thefundamental concepts and statistical definitions. A variety of examples and practical applications
will be shared by country representatives. The webinar will also emphasize the importance of digitaltrade statistics in evidence-based policy making.

1II.

Target audience

The target audience for these webinars are entry, mid-level and high-level government officials withthe responsibility for collection, compilation, and dissemination of international trade statistics.
These include, national statistics offices (NSOs), ministries of foreign affairs and foreign trade, tradeboards, Customs, Tax Offices, ministries of finance and central banks and similar organizations.
The webinar is also recommended for users of digital trade statistics and those interested in learning
more about measuring digital trade.
The main objectives of the webinar are:
1. Establish the importance of digital trade.
2. Understand the conceptual framework for digital trade.
3. Introduce sources and methods for measuring digital trade.
4. Provide compliers range of examples and practical applications to start measuring digital trade.
5. Emphasize the importance of disseminating digital trade statistics from the policy perspective.
III.

Structure and content

This webinar will be organized on 6 March and will last for 2 hours. It will commence with substantive presentations of the topics by experts followed by discussion session. The webinar will be conducted in English without interpretation. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with thepresenters orally.
Time (Japan Standard Time)
3:00pm-3:05pm
3:05pm-3:50pm

3:50pm-4:00pm
4:00pm-4:40pm

4:40-5:00
IV.

AgendaWelcome remarks (SIAP)-Conceptual framework(UNCTAD Digital Economy and Policy Research Section)-Country cases of data collection, compiling anddissemination
Strech Break-Country cases of data collection, compiling anddissemination-Using digital trade statistics in policy making(ESCAP Trade, Investment and Innovation Division)
Q&A

Access to the webinar presentations

The webinar will be recorded, and subsequently, the recordings and presentations will be accessibleon the SIAP website.
2