Information technology and e-commerce
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Can blockchain revolutionize international trade?
Trade has always been shaped by technological innovation. In recent times a new technology Blockchain has been greeted by many as the next big game-changer. Can Blockchain revolutionize international trade? This publication seeks to demystify the Blockchain phenomenon by providing a basic explanation of the technology. It analyses the relevance of this technology for international trade by reviewing how it is currently used or can be used in the various areas covered by WTO rules. In doing so it provides an insight into the extent to which this technology could affect cross-border trade in goods and services and intellectual property rights. It discusses the potential of Blockchain for reducing trade costs and enhancing supply chain transparency as well as the opportunities it provides for small-scale producers and companies. Finally it reviews various challenges that must be addressed before the technology can be used on a wide scale and have a significant impact on international trade.
World Trade Report 2018
Trade has always been shaped by technology but the rapid development of digital technologies in recent times has the potential to transform international trade profoundly in the years to come. The World Trade Report 2018 examines how digital technologies – and in particular the Internet of Things artificial intelligence 3D printing and Blockchain – affect trade costs the nature of what is traded and the composition of trade. It estimates how global trade may be affected by these technologies over the next 15 years.
20 Years of the Information Technology Agreement
Over the past 20 years the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) has increased worldwide access to high-tech goods such as computers mobile phones and semiconductors. It has also contributed to greater access to the Internet and the growth of the digital economy creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals in both developed and developing economies. Finalized at the first WTO Ministerial Conference in 1996 the ITA commits its participants to eliminating tariffs on a wide range of IT products with an annual value of approximately US$ 1.7 trillion. To mark the 20th anniversary of the ITA this publication analyses the impact of the ITA on its participants and on worldwide trade in IT products. It demonstrates how the Agreement has not only made high-tech products more affordable but has also helped to promote innovation and to support developing economies’ integration into global production networks. The publication also reviews new developments such as the landmark deal concluded in 2015 to eliminate tariffs on an additional 201 IT products valued at over $1.3 trillion per year. Finally it highlights what still needs to be done to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of providing universal and affordable access to the Internet so that the benefits of the digital revolution can be enjoyed by all.
Global Value Chain Development Report 2019
This report takes stock of the evolution of global value chains (GVCs) in light of technological developments such as robotics big data and the Internet of Things. It discusses how these technologies are reshaping GVCs and examines the effect of these changes on labor markets in developed and developing economies and on supply chain management. The report discusses how technological developments are creating new opportunities for the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in global value chains and reviews issues related to GVC measurement. The report is a follow-up to the first Global Value Chain Development Report which revealed the changing nature of international trade when analyzed in terms of value chains and value-added trade.
15 Years of the Information Technology Agreement
The Information and Technology Agreement (ITA) was finalized at the first WTO Ministerial Conference in Singapore in 1996 committing its participants to completely eliminate duties on certain information technology products. In its 15 years the ITA has promoted affordable access to a wide range of technologies encouraging closer cooperation between developed and developing countries. As production networks become increasingly global the ITA will continue to facilitate the shift from products made in a specific country to “made in the world”. To mark the 15th anniversary of the ITA this publication charts the political and technical obstacles which were overcome during the creation of the Agreement and the issues which still need to be resolved. It details the establishment of the ITA Committee and how the Agreement is implemented and investigates the impact the ITA has had on trade liberalization and innovation. The publication also examines the effect information technology has had on global production networks and what this means for developing countries and the ITA.