2.         FOLLOW-UP TO OUTCOMES OF MINISTERIAL CONFERENCES

      B. WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

     I. REVIEW OF PROGRESS

     II. REINVIGORATION OF THE WORK PROGRAMME ON E-COMMERCE - PROMOTING COMPETITION IN E-COMMERCE (WT/GC/W/902/REV.1) - COMMUNICATION FROM INDIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

The European Union welcomes the interest among Members to implement the MC12 decision on e-commerce and, in particular, the intensified engagement we have seen on development- and digital trade-related issues. We are glad to see the Work Programme truly reinvigorated, particularly its development dimension.

The meetings have been constructive and have allowed Members to share their valuable views on topics put forward by the Facilitator. In our view, these discussions on the challenges and opportunities of e-commerce are extremely important for developed and developing countries alike.

The discussion on the moratorium has been particularly insightful. The European Union notes the clear support for the extension of the moratorium expressed at the dedicated sessions of the Work Programme. We have heard numerous members, both developed and developing members alike, support the maintenance of the moratorium due to its key importance to the development of the digital economy and trade. The European Union fully shares this view.

In terms of the way forward for the Work Programme, we believe that we should continue with regular meetings and delve deeper into more specific elements of the topics discussed so far, particularly following questions raised by the members.

We take note of the communication from India and South Africa on promoting competition in e-commerce. The EU is ready to engage in his discussion, which should first take place under the Work Programme, before bringing it to the General Council. If broadly supported, this issue may also be a suitable subject for discussion in the context of a renewed Work Programme after MC13.

Finally, I want to thank the Ambassador of Mauritius for her efforts in facilitating our Work Programme discussions. We look forward to further engagement based on facts and getting into specific discussions as soon as possible to identify a way forward on both the Work Programme and the multilateral e-commerce moratorium well ahead of MC13.