This high-level hybrid event will examine the evolving governance, legal and institutional frameworks required to support trusted, inclusive and commercially meaningful digital trade, focusing on the needs and opportunities of emerging and developing economies.
We are excited to launch the Paperless Trade 2.0 report which presents a compelling economic analysis of the Commonwealth’s transition to paperless trade, quantifying the significant cost reductions, export gains, and GDP growth arising out of accelerated trade digitalisation. Combining rigorous econometric modelling with real-world case studies, it benchmarks current implementation across the Commonwealth, identifies critical gaps in legal frameworks, digital infrastructure, and interoperability, and sets out concrete recommendations aimed at creating a more efficient, resilient, and competitive trading future.
We will also host a lively young lawyers panel on 'Whose rules are they anyway?'
This panel of young lawyers will discuss current contentious issues in digital trade rules, moving beyond the simple question of whether digital trade is “good” or “bad” to examine who shapes the rules, who benefits from them, and whether current governance models are delivering an equitable digital future.
Highlights of the event
- Launch of the Paperless Trade 2.0 report on quantifying the Commonwealth’s digital advantage
- Uniform laws on digital trade: electronic transferable records, digital identity and trust services
- Digital trade and e-commerce at the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- ‘Whose Rules Are They Anyway?’ – a young lawyers’ panel on digital trade, model laws and WTO implications
- The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the Commonwealth – Opportunities for cooperation in Africa.
Participants and guests
- Trade delegations
- Government officials
- Policymakers
- Bankers, academia, students
Speakers
- Luca Castellani, Digital Trade Advisor, EBRD
- Mena Hassan, Head, Capacity Building & Strategic Partnerships, WTO
- Jack Dainty, Trade Negotiations Group, Department for Business and Trade (UK)
- Shona Tatchell, Director, Trade Facilitation Programme, EBRD
- Prof Emilia Onyema, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
- Catherine Bridge Zoller, Senior Counsel, Legal Transition Programme, EBRD
- Brendan Vickers, Policy Director, International Chamber of Commerce, United Kingdom
- Vashti Maharaj, Adviser, Digital Trade Policy, Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda
