Press Communique – WTO

Topic: Addressing Trade Barriers Between Developing and Developed Nations with Special
Emphasis on the Digital Divide

Authors: Malaysia, Kingdom of Spain

High Contributors: French Republic, Republic of Austria, Republic of Singapore, Dominion of

Canada, Republic of Poland

Signatories: French Republic, Republic of Paraguay, Republic of Finland, Republic of Austria, New
Zealand, Japan, Republic of Nepal, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Peru, Republic of Poland,
Canada,, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, The Federation of Malaysia, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Republic of Poland, Federal Republic of Nigeria, The Republic of India, Arab Republic of Egypt,
Republic of Bolivia, Republic of Paraguay, The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Bahrain , United
States of America, Burkina Faso

Preface:
The digital divide is one of the most burning issues in current international trade. The division involves
inequalities in access to information and communication technologies between countries, especially
between developed and developing states. However, in the present-day digital economy, where electronic
commerce, online services as well as digital payments are key agents, the absence of access to this
infrastructure can severely limit a country’s participation in global trade.

The digital divide manifests itself through inadequate infrastructure, limited internet connectivity
resulting from low levels of digital literacy, and weak governance framework Thereby stopping these
countries’ businesses from participating in the global market, attracting foreign investment, and making
use of digitized efficiencies. Furthermore, the gap between technology haves and have-nots increases
economic inequalities already existing because developed nations can leverage technology to improve
their productivity, lower costs, and reach new markets.

Solutions:

1. Encourages the implementation of international programmes to support infrastructure

development in developing countries, for access to digital technologies for all WTO member
nations;
2. Urges the promotion of digital literacy and skills training initiatives, especially in developing
nations, by integrating basic digital literacy at primary and secondary levels;

3. Proposes the introduction of international incentives for MNCs that can contribute to mitigating
the digital divide by investments in technology, and infrastructure in developing nations;

4. Encourages the integration of digital trade facilitation measures into existing trade agreements,
with a focus on helping countries with less developed digital infrastructure;

5. Encourages the implementation of regional digital hubs in developing regions, to accelerate

digitalization and integration into global trade networks;

6. Urges nations to mandate broadband a basic infrastructure as a foundation for future

developments and bridging the digital divide;

7. Further invites member nations to take into account the result of digital trade barriers on LDCs
and developing nations when making further trade policies, to ensure future policies do not worsen
the digital divide;

8. Encourages the creation of flexible regulatory frameworks that balance standards with the limited
digital market access for LDCs and developing countries;

9. Recommends that the WTO, in collaboration with international bodies, develop guidelines to
combat protectionism and reluctancy in a digital environment while respecting and keeping in mind
the nation’s sovereignty;

10. Calls upon WTO members to adopt a global framework for digital trade that is adaptable to the
varying levels of digital infrastructure across nations;
11. Further requests the examination of non-tariff barriers to ensure they support global trade
liberalization while protecting legitimate national interests;

12. Encourages collaboration between governments and MNCs that can lead to innovative solutions
for NTBs;

13. Further invites nations to consider the impact of digital NTBs on developing nations and LCDs
when creating new trade policies, making sure that future policies do not exacerbate the digital
divide;

14. Suggests limited and lesser sanctions/NTBs/international subsidies on goods and services in
relation to environmental, labor, or Raw material – related, tariffs with Developing countries to
protect national safety while not harming LDCs;

15. Encourages LDCs to develop digital economy blueprints, so that the WTO can effectively help
break the digital divide;

16. Recommends the establishing of a framework in the WTO:

1. To balance IPRs with the essential need for relatively cheap access to technologies and medicines
in developing nations and LECDs;
2. To ensure the advent of Artificial Intelligence doesn’t create a further digital divide in the future;

17. Encourages nations to create an inclusive digital society;

18. Suggests usage of blockchain tools to protect IPRs when implemented in LDCs;

19. Promotes electronic payment programmes, like UPI, for both merchants and consumers to move
towards a cashless society;

20. Reinforces cyber security outreach to all levels of society;

 21. Promotes initiatives that foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital sectors of LDCs
and LEDCs to create a more balanced and inclusive global digital economy.

22. Calls for the integration of digital payment systems across borders, simplifying international
transactions and enabling easier market access for businesses in LDCs and LEDCs.

23. Leveraging Digital Trade for Sustainable Development: Encourages the use of digital trade as a tool
to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) in LDCs and LEDCs, promoting growth and reducing
poverty.

24. Addressing Regulatory Harmonization: Recommends harmonizing digital trade regulations to lower
compliance costs and barriers for LDCs and LEDCs, ensuring a more level playing field.

25. Proposes the establishment of mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the impact of trade policies on
LDCs and LEDCs, ensuring that strategies are effectively supporting fair and equitable trade.

26. Advocates for the adoption of blockchain technology to enhance transparency and trust in the global
supply chain, particularly for MSMEs in LDCs and LEDCs.

27. Supports initiatives that provide training and technology access for small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) in LDCs and LEDCs to increase their participation in the global digital economy.

28.Calls for the establishment of global cybersecurity standards that protect the digital infrastructures of
LDCs and LEDCs from cyber threats.

29. Encourages transparency and collaboration between MSMEs and investors to drive investment in
LDCs and LEDCs.

30. Recommends the temporary infringement of intellectual property rights during emergencies to
facilitate access to essential digital tools and technologies in LDCs and LEDCs.

30. Proposes the reduction of non-tariff barriers to only those that are essential, to ease trade for LDCs
and LEDCs and enhance their integration into the global economy.

31. Advocates for programs providing broadband access and digital education in LDCs and LEDCs to
bridge the digital divide.

Discussion
Republic of Paraguay wants an increase in transparency and effectiveness within the WTO and believes
that it is possible to strengthen the multilateral system through collaboration.

the Italian Republic and The Kingdom of Spain suggests the EU make an investment/fund which will
focus on developing high-speed broadband networks.

The Republic of India believes that MSMEs, jendu and Climate change issues don’t belong in the WTO.

The French Republic feels that the committee is not successfully able to reach a solution, their
suggestions are the usage of a WTO binding resolution or a "Digital Infrastructure Development Fund"
which developed countries pay 0.1% of their GDP. And The French republic stresses the importance of
highlighting developing nations to provide the most legitimate solutions

The Republic of Singapore stressed the need for free and fair trade and pledged to continue helping
developing countries under the Smart ASEAN Plan. Singapore welcomed increased investment and
regional cooperation to help develop the digital economy.
The Public-Private Partnerships would also make sure that the digital infrastructure of developing or less
developed countries (LDC’s) is built up by governments and maintained by public-private partnerships.

The Republic of Austria called for transparency in trade practices and advocated the "bulldozer approach"
towards eliminating superfluous regulations. Austria further suggested that countries like Japan and
Tanzania should have more adaptable policies, which could fit the needs of diverse applicants.

The delegate of Malaysia suggests environment, labor, or raw material - related, tariffs be reduced for
developing countries

The delegate of Congo feels that they struggle with limited digital infrastructure and suggests that the
WTO should provide funds for Infrastructure development.

The delegate of Canada emphasizes that all countries benefit from the effects of digitalization, by
implementing blockchain technology, in order to promote transparency and manage and prevent supply
chain errors.

The delegate of Burkina Faso suggests the opinion of the UK- “providing more internet is a narrow
minded approach” - and that this opinion in itself is narrow minded.

The delegate of Greece suggests that developed countries participate in technology transfer for enhancing
the current digital stance of LDCs and LEDCs

The delegate of Canada suggests that the committee takes a more equitable approach rather than
quality-oriented to solving this problem of digital divide, considering the progress of trade.

The delegate of Nigeria asserts that a fair digital economy demands flexible IP regulations, supportive
trade agreements, and accessible financial services. They advocate for regional cooperation, shared
infrastructure, and digital skills certification to ensure equitable global participation.
Poland advocates for the equitable application of non-tariff barriers and urges all nations to adopt
consistent and fair trade practices. Emphasising the importance of ensuring that trade regulations are
applied in a manner that supports economic fairness and minimizes unnecessary restrictions. Additionally,
Poland supports the development of inclusive trade negotiation processes that consider and address the
needs and interests of all participating countries.