The phenomenal growth of digital trade in the Asia-Pacific region has opened up a world of new opportunities as well as difficult policy challenges. Restrictions on digital trade make it tougher for technology companies, as well as SMEs, to access new markets and develop economically efficient business models, and also reduce consumer choice. Further, the interconnected nature of the internet raises concerns about digital trade and the protection of personal data, online consumer protection, commercial and government surveillance, cybersecurity and prevention of cybercrimes. All of these issues are multi-faceted and complex, and necessitate engagement and cooperation among various stakeholders including governments, international organisation, companies, civil society and the academic community.
This conference, jointly organised by Melbourne Law School and Singapore Management University School of Law on 6 December 2017 in Singapore is aimed at engaging in a deep, transparent, and multi-stakeholder dialogue on issues relevant to digital trade and collectively seek solutions for these complex policy issues. The conference is organised around the following four broad themes:
(a) Identifying and defining policy challenges and opportunities in digital trade
(b) The role of International Trade Agreements in boosting the digital economy
(c) How trade rules can boost digital innovation
(d) Potential solutions within national, regional or international legal and policy frameworks to address contemporary challenges in digital trade