News & Politics

  • 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

  • EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement Embraces MLETR for Digital Trade Efficiency

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    BRUSSELS, 31 January 2025 – The European Union and the Republic of Singapore plan to extend a pioneering digital trade agreement incorporating key elements of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Documents (MLETR) developed by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) as a step to modernise cross-border trade. MLETR Integration in the… Read more

  • A New Milestone for Digital Trade Interoperability Takes Center Stage

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    The recent announcements by ICE Digital Trade (formerly essDOCS) and IQAX enabling interoperability for electronic transferable documents represent a significant step forward in the digital transformation of trade finance. These developments allow electronic bills of lading to be seamlessly transferred across approved systems, reducing complexity and fostering efficiency across global supply chains. Why is this… Read more

  • Digital Trade Governance: The UK’s Approach

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    Digital technologies have affected international trade relations and what is traded across borders, giving rise to digital trade. Digital trade has become an important part of international trade discussions, requiring specific policies and measures at different regulatory levels. Together these are referred to as digital trade governance. Good digital trade governance aims to enable cross-border… Read more