Each nation set its domestic rules. In the last half century, nations have come together systematically to clarify the rules of international trade, and remove the barriers. That has meant removing some of the rules set with only domestic commerce in mind. It has required give and take on the part of all nations. And it has been a long and pains-taking process, as any of you who have attended GATT or WTO conferences will attest.
Electronic commerce begins with a global marketplace.
International transactions are becoming more commonplace every day on a technology that knows no borders. If we want to keep that global marketplace open, we must move very soon to agree on common approaches and mutually acceptable standards. If each country works independently to establish its own system it could cripple the potential for international electronic commerce. But by coming together now, the OECD members will be able to take stock, reach some consensus on the areas of mutual agreement, and begin to lay the groundwork for electronic commerce on a global scale. The objective is to create a level playing field where the rules are predictable and consistent for all kinds of commerce.