News & Politics

  • Dutch Government Introduces MLETR-Lite Digital Trade Bill to Recognise Electronic Bills of Lading

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    In a significant move towards the digitalisation of trade, the Dutch government has introduced a draft bill in the lower house of parliament to grant electronic bills of lading (eBLs) the same legal status as their paper counterparts. This initiative positions the Netherlands as the fourth European country—following France, Germany, and the UK—to formally recognise… Read more

  • APEC Trade Ministers Conclude 2025 Meeting with Key Commitments

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    The 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting concluded in Jeju, Republic of Korea, on May 16, 2025, with a joint statement outlining significant decisions aimed at fostering regional economic resilience and cooperation. Key Decisions: These decisions reflect APEC’s commitment to addressing contemporary trade issues, fostering new ideas, facilitating economic growth, and building momentum toward… Read more

  • Leading the Development of International Rules for the Digital Economy

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    On April 27, the National Internet Information Office released the “China Network Rule of Law Development Report (2024)”, the first comprehensive annual report on network rule of law at the national department level. This report serves as a continuation of the “30 Years of China’s Network Rule of Law” report and marks the beginning of… Read more

  • Next Steps in Hong Kong’s Digital Economy and Trade Development Strategy (2025 Update)

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    Based on the opening remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development at the Legislative Council Finance Committee special meeting on April 11, 2025, Hong Kong is implementing a multifaceted strategy to enhance its digital economy and international trade position. Key initiatives include: 1. Strengthening Hong Kong as an International Trade Hub 2. Promoting… Read more

  • Less is More: Proposals to Simplify and Improve European Rule-Making in the Financial Services Sector

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    The report “Less is More“, authored by an expert group in February 2025 presents a critical analysis of the current regulatory framework governing the European financial services sector. It highlights the inefficiencies and complexities within the existing rule-making process and proposes strategies for simplifying and enhancing financial regulations. The report was published with the support… Read more

  • Advancing Digital Trade: The EU-Korea Digital Trade Agreement

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    The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Korea have recently achieved significant milestones in enhancing their digital trade relations, culminating in the conclusion of negotiations for a landmark Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) on March 10, 2025. This agreement underscores both parties’ commitment to fostering a robust and forward-looking partnership capable of navigating the rapidly… Read more

  • Historic Milestone in Africa’s Digital Trade: AfCFTA Finalizes Legal Framework

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    On 16 February 2025, the African Union (AU) marked a historic milestone in the continent’s digital economy. Exactly one year after adopting the Protocol on Digital Trade, the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU formally adopted eight (8) Annexes to the Protocol, completing the comprehensive legal architecture of the African… Read more

  • How DigitalTrade4.EU Can Help Achieve the Objectives of the EU Competitiveness Compass

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    In January 2025, the European Commission unveiled the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic roadmap designed to revitalize Europe’s economic dynamism and secure sustainable prosperity. This initiative emphasizes the need for simplification, enhanced coordination, robust financing mechanisms, skills development, and decarbonization to bolster the Single Market. The DigitalTrade4.EU consortium can play an important role in supporting these… Read more

  • Digital Trade Milestone: EU Strengthens Global Cooperation Through WTO Framework

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    On February 6, 2025, the European Commission unveiled a groundbreaking Council Decision to establish the EU and Member States’ position for upcoming WTO negotiations. This decision aims to amend Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement, addressing the Agreement on Electronic Commerce and setting the stage for the first global framework governing Digital Trade. The proposed… Read more

  • India Plans to Sets Up a Dedicated Agency to Digitalise Trade Documents and Finance

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    The Indian government has announced plans to establish BharatTradeNet, a unified digital platform for trade documentation and financing, modeled after UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This initiative, revealed in the Budget speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to digitize trade documentation, streamline agency interactions, and improve export credit access. Key Highlights of BharatTradeNet: Timeline &… Read more