Industry holds talks with WTO chief on e-commerce,global trade

New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) Representatives from the industry discussed with WTO chief Roberto Azevedo various issues relating to global trade and e-commerce during an interaction today."Many questions wer

New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) Representatives from the industry discussed with WTO chief Roberto Azevedo various issues relating to global trade and e-commerce during an interaction today.

“Many questions were asked about global situation, trade in general, what was happening at WTO, what are the expectations from the next ministerial meeting. They also asked questions about e-commerce as they wanted to know what is going on at WTO,” Azevedo told reporters here.

As many as 11 papers have been submitted by different countries on e-commerce.

“E-commerce is a universe in itself,” he added.

The meeting assumes significance as the rich and developed countries want the WTO members, including India, to agree on a global deal on e-commerce. However, India is currently not ready for that.

Earlier in the day, Azevedo said the e-commerce proposal at WTO is still at a very early stage.

“We have 11 papers. Members are putting that (but) there is no clear view among members about what could or should be done about e-commerce. And I am waiting to see if they come to terms, what could be the terms of engagement,” he said.

“I am not myself particularly optimistic that we are going to solve very contentious issues… It will take time to solve them.”

Over 50 representatives, including from online retail and technology firms, met Azevedo yesterday.

This is published unedited from the PTI feed.