CSI ELECTRONIC COMMERCE RECOMMENDATIONS

The proposed bilateral agreements is an opportunity to create a global trade framework that spurs

the growth of electronic commerce. Countries should seek agreement on principles that support

the maintenance of open markets for electronic commerce.  They should also agree to pursue in

the negotiations market access and national treatment commitments across all sectors and modes

of supply without limitations for services essential to the initiation and completion of business 

to business and business to consumer e commerce transactions, as well as the delivery of all

services by electronic means.

The negotiators should affirm that GATT, GATS and TRIPS rules and disciplines apply to

electronic commerce.  The negotiators should agree to continue the work program on electronic

commerce and recognize the importance of allowing the unencumbered use of technology.  The

negotiators should also agree to work to increase membership in the Information Technology

Agreement and redouble efforts to conclude ITA II.

I.  Principles to Support Open E Commerce Markets

The negotiators should seek agreement on:

a standstill commitment not to impose new restrictions during the course of negotiations that

affect e commerce,

a commitment to avoid the creation of any unnecessary barriers to e commerce, and where

regulations are necessary, to ensure that such regulations are as least trade restrictive as

possible,

a commitment to transparency in the application, modification, or creation of any regulations

affecting e commerce,

a permanent extension of the practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic

transmissions,

a balanced approach to data protection that recognizes different national legal systems,

including laws, industry self regulation, privacy enhancing technologies and differing

cultural standards.  Such a balanced approach should ensure that data protection regimes are

not applied in a discriminatory manner and are not used to limit market access, or to impede

competition,

a commitment to refrain from imposing barriers on electronic transmissions (including

digitized products) and from impeding the supply of services through electronic means,

a commitment to reject any attempts to limit the application of international or national

intellectual property rights to e commerce,

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