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digital economy | e-commerce

US to aggressively push for digital trade rules in Asia in 2023
25-Jan-2023 Nikkei Asia
The goal is to quickly create shared rules for the region, particularly in the digital sector, and to regain the initiative in the US-China contest for economic leadership in Asia.
S. Korea, Singapore to implement digital partnership pact this weekend
13-Jan-2023 Yonhap
South Korea and Singapore plan to officially kick off their bilateral digital partnership pact this weekend in a move to boost digital trade and industry cooperation, Seoul’s trade ministry said.
S. Korea seeks to sign over 10 free trade deals this year
11-Jan-2023 Yonhap
South Korea will push to clinch free trade agreements with more than 10 nations and a trade promotion framework with over 20 nations this year in an effort to boost growth momentum and diversify its trade portfolio, the trade ministry said.
No higher priority: Why IPEF must include strong digital trade rules
8-Dec-2022 US Chamber of Commerce
The US business community will turn this week to Brisbane, Australia, which will host the first formal negotiating round of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
Women’s rights organisations and allies oppose the gender "upskilling initiative" as an IPEF carrot
6-Dec-2022 IT for Change
IT for Change, Public Services International (Asia & Pacific) and Third World Network, with the undersigned women’s rights organisations, labour unions, and allies, oppose the use of Big Tech “upskilling” initiatives for women to encourage countries to sign on to the IPEF.
Ukraine strikes digital trade agreement with Britain
30-Nov-2022 Reuters
Britain said it had agreed in principle a digital trade deal with Ukraine, the eastern European country’s first such agreement.
Australia eyes digital services pact with India
22-Nov-2022 The Economic Times
Australia is eyeing a pact on digital services as part of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India as the two countries aim to upgrade the bilateral relationship.
Digital trade agreement with the UK paves way for development of e-commerce
22-Nov-2022 Kyiv Post
The parties discussed the way the leadership of the UK in the financial world would help unlock investments in Ukraine.
China’s bid to join digital economy pact hinges on clarification of data laws, experts say
7-Nov-2022 South China Morning Post
A special task force has been set up to negotiate China’s membership application for the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement but Beijing must clarify data laws if it wants to negotiate carve-outs that allow it to maintain digital sovereignty, experts say.
Japan and the European Union start negotiations to include provisions on the free flow of data into the Japan-EU EPA with the European Union
10-Oct-2022 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Japan and the European Union have been exchanging views on the reassessment of the need for including provisions on the free flow of data into the Japan-EU EPA.
FTA talks face ’deadlock’ over Delhi’s data rules
10-Oct-2022 Tribune India
Data localisation and UK companies being allowed to bid for Indian government contracts are among the issues causing a possible deadlock in the final stages of the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations towards a Diwali draft completion deadline.
Asia-Pacific women groups gather in Bangkok and discuss digital trade
4-Oct-2022 bilaterals.org
Women in the Asia and Pacific discussed FTAs and agricultural digitalisation impacting women.
Some implications of the digital economy paragraph of the leaked draft ministerial text for IPEF trade pillar
2-Sep-2022
The US will host the first in-person IPEF Ministerial meeting in Los Angeles from 8-9 September 2022, which is expected to launch formal negotiations. Some countries may decide not to remain involved in some or all of the IPEF’s “pillars”.
Kenya’s GDPR-style legislation threatens US firms’ x-border data transfer model
24-Aug-2022 Pymnts
In the Kenyan context, Meta’s GDPR woes may be avoided if the U.S. gets its way in a proposed free trade deal between the two countries which is currently in discussions.
UK and Ukraine launch talks on digital trade agreement
24-Aug-2022 City AM
The UK and Ukraine have agreed to launch talks on a new digital trade agreement as Kyiv prepares to celebrate independence day.
China to implement negative list for cross-border trade in services
24-Aug-2022 China Daily
China will implement a negative list for cross-border trade in services, expand opening-up in the services sector and bolster digital trade to shore up economic growth, said government officials.
Korea calls for digital pact with ASEAN under FTA framework
27-Jul-2022 The Korea Times
Korea suggested a new agreement on digital technology and systems with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries under their free trade pact in a move to further bolster bilateral economic ties, Seoul’s trade ministry said.
’Digital sovereignty must be at core of Pacific e-commerce strategy’
8-Jul-2022 Voxy
The Pacific regional e-commerce strategy needs to be revised as it denies Pacific Island Countries their sovereign right to manage their digital domains, including data, a new report has found.
UK-Singapore digital economy deal enters into force
14-Jun-2022 The Straits Times
A landmark digital trade deal establishing rules and standards for cross-border data flows and data protection between Singapore and the United Kingdom came into force.
Britain launches free trade deal talks with Mexico
23-May-2022 Reuters
Britain is launching talks over a free trade deal with Mexico, looking to add services to its current agreement as well as aiming to increase trade in the financial and digital sectors.