New Delhi: At the Working Session on Work Programme on E-Commerce during the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference, India took a prominent stand, emphasizing the significance of digital industrialization and its potential to drive economic development, particularly for developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
India’s delegation underscored the existing dominance of a handful of firms from developed nations in the global e-commerce landscape. They highlighted the substantial digital gap between developed and developing countries, posing a significant challenge to increasing the participation of the latter in global e-commerce activities.
The delegation emphasized the necessity of considering all policy options to facilitate digital industrialization, advocating for the availability of diverse policy pathways for World Trade Organization (WTO) members.
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With the ongoing digital revolution and the proliferation of technologies such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, data analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet-of-Things, India stressed the importance of reassessing the implications of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. They particularly emphasized the potential impact on developing countries and LDCs.
India reiterated the need for developing countries to prioritize enhancing both physical and digital infrastructure, establishing supportive policy and regulatory frameworks, and fostering digital capabilities. India exemplified its commitment to digital transformation through its focus on innovation and rapid implementation.
India’s approach, articulated through the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model, aims to promote innovation, democratize technology, and nurture a competitive environment for digital enterprises. The DPI initiative has catalyzed a national technological revolution across various sectors, including commerce, healthcare, payments, e-governance, and citizen services.
The Indian delegation highlighted their country’s experience, indicating that a comprehensive strategy focusing on digital infrastructure, skills development, education, and enabling policies has propelled extensive digitalization on a population scale.
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