This agreement on electronic commerce follows five years of negotiations among a large and diverse group of World Trade Organization (WTO) Members, jointly convened by Australia, Japan and Singapore to establish new trade rules for the digital economy.

The statement recognises the importance of global electronic commerce and the opportunities it creates for inclusive trade and development, and the important role of the WTO in promoting open, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable regulatory environments in facilitating electronic commerce. 

After five years of negotiations under the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce, participants have reached a new phase, achieving stabilised text on the attached Agreement on Electronic Commerce that reflects a balanced and inclusive outcome. The Agreement is set to benefit consumers and businesses involved in digital trade, especially MSMEs. It will also play a pivotal role in supporting digital transformation among participating members.

Participants will proceed with their domestic processes, with a view to integrating the outcome of negotiations in the WTO legal framework.

The statement reaffirms the importance of supporting developing and least-developed country Members in implementing the Agreement on Electronic Commerce by addressing their identified needs including through implementation periods, technical assistance and capacity building support.