This would allow much more latitude for governments to restrict market access in areas such as audio-visual transmissions and possibly even software. This idea has little support outside Europe. We are trying to appeal to the common sense and economic interest of all countries to build support for the much more constructive approach of Indonesia and Singapore. We urge the government of Mexico to study the proposals carefully, and hope it will support one or another of the WTO proposals that ensure the continuation of duty-free electronic commerce. In conclusion, let me stress that there are a number of complex issues to be worked out in the development of electronic commerce.
Government have a role.
Governments must resist that temptation. For if governments stop electronic commerce short of its vast potential, they will not have served their people well. At the same time the private sector must step forward and accept the responsibilities that global e-commerce demands. The last option is not one with which government is very familiar. Businesses around the world may not be accustomed to the first.