17 August 2017

Everyone anywhere can now start an EU company with Passport

Paymentwall today launches Passport in a partnership with Estonia’s e-Residency program to help entrepreneurs from around the world establish and manage a business in the European Union. “We are delighted to be part of this groundbreaking initiative from Paymentwall”, explained Kaspar Korjus, Managing Director of e-Residency. “The business world does not have any shortage of ideas or talent, but financial barriers are still holding people back from their entrepreneurial potential – often just because of their location. E-Residency is aiming to democratize entrepreneurship globally by offering location independent company management, and Paymentwall Passport will help contribute to our shared goal...
15 August 2017

ITC Partnering with Japan to connect displaced Syrian women to markets

Traditional designs made by Syrian artisans are featured during the Fêtes de Genève to attract international buyers. by ITC News Buying goods and doing good – that’s the idea behind the showcasing of artisanal products made by displaced Syrian women at the Fêtes de Genève, an annual summer event in Geneva, from 3-13 August this year. The pop-up stand features traditional designs with a modern twist, from shirts to purses, glassware, soaps and more. All sales go directly to an association of internally displaced women living in Damascus, Syria, who receive specialized training to produce high-quality products for online sales....
14 August 2017

Connecting the dots for sustainable development: e-commerce and the SDG’s

Connecting the dots for sustainable development Written by Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD With a few swipes on a smartphone or clicks on a computer, these days many of us choose and purchase a wealth of goods and services without giving it a second thought. This is how the best technology works - so simple and easy to use that not so long ago it would have seemed like magic. But those of us concerned with improving the lives of people in developing countries know that there are systems behind the sorcery: policy systems that enable and reward innovation; economic...
8 August 2017

The new trade order and the fresh stimulus of e-commerce

The new trade order Bangkok Post (Thailand), Erich Parpart, 7 August 2017 We're now in a China-led world where support for free trade and multilateral agreements are concerned. But will the rest of Asia continue to buy in? The rise of anti-globalisation sentiment and trade protectionism in the United States and Europe has thrust China into a new role as the world champion of free trade and multilateral agreements, a role that would have been unthinkable even two decades ago. When President Donald Trump decided to pull the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the focus shifted to...
4 August 2017

UNCTAD adviser, AlibabGroup’s Jack Ma, launches US$10 million African Young Entrepreneurs Fund.

Alibaba founder and executive chairman Jack Ma announced the creation of a US$10 million African Young Entrepreneurs Fund, during the Youth Connekt Africa Summit co-hosted by UNCTAD and the Government of Rwanda. “I want that fund supporting African online businesses,” said Mr. Ma, who is Special Adviser to UNCTAD for Youth Entrepreneurship and Small Business. “The money is set. This is my money, so I don’t have to get anybody’s approval,” he said, adding that he was poised to hire staff for the fund, set to begin operations this year. Mr. Ma said that he would also work with UNCTAD...
3 August 2017

WCO to unveil norms for e-commerce trade

WCO to unveil norms for e-commerce trade New Delhi,BUSINESS Customs body aims to address digital divide, illegal trade The World Customs Organization (WCO) will soon bring out guidelines on ‘cross-border e-commerce’, which will focus on preventing illegal trade as well as addressing the challenges stemming from the ‘digital divide’, according to the WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya. In an interview to The Hindu on his recent India trip, Mr. Mikuriya said, “We are developing guidelines on e-commerce to see how best Customs can facilitate legitimate trade through that route.” He added, “We will address issues related to digital divide by...
2 August 2017

Faster, better and together: the road to inclusive e-commerce in Africa

"E-commerce has the potential to make a difference for development. But this will only be the case if we move faster, react better and move together" by Mukhisa Kituyi “Small is beautiful, small is powerful.” This is the creed embedded in the foundation of a global e-commerce giant: Alibaba. But the creed not only defines the genesis of a company. It also reflects the power and scope of e-commerce around the globe. This is what makes e-commerce so formidable: the possibility of turning a small firm into a global giant; the possibility of bringing new, better and cheaper products to...
17 July 2017

ICT, Women and Digital Divide – Public-Private dialogue. Watch the inspiring messages of two Senior level professionals from the institutional and the business side

We have asked Mr. Cosmas Zavazava and Mr. James Kenneth Lockett, coming from the institutional and the business side to share with us their expectations out of the 2017 Global Review of Aid for Trade, the WTO-led initiative that helps developing countries, and particularly least developed countries, to leverage trade for sustainable development. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78ziCSDTFTs&feature=youtu.be

UN Commission on International Trade Law adopts the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records

VIENNA, 17 July (UN Information Service) –, The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (the "MLETR") on 13 July at its fiftieth session in Vienna. The MLETR legally enables the use of electronic transferable records that are functionally equivalent to transferable documents and instruments including bills of lading, bills of exchange, promissory notes and warehouse receipts. The use of electronic transferable records may bring a number of benefits to electronic commerce including speed and security of transmission as well as the possibility of reusing the information contained therein. Electronic...
14 July 2017

WSIS Forum 2017: Outcomes

WSIS Forum 2017: Key Achievements (Announcements, Launches, Agreements, Commitments)   UNGIS reiterated commitment to the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines and alignment of the WSIS and SDG processes. ITU was appointed as the Chair of UNGIS for the year 2017-2018 and the UN Regional Commission for Africa was appointed as the rotating Vice Chairman to strengthen the regional perspective.   UN Regional Commissions committed to strengthen the action at the regional level, providing the platforms for connecting the dots, i.e. all relevant stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening implementation of the WSIS Action Lines and alignment of WSIS and SDG processes....
13 July 2017

La fintech se popularise surtout dans les pays émergents

Selon une étude, les Chinois sont les principaux utilisateurs d'applications financières. L'Inde suit, tandis que les pays développés sont à la traîne Plus de deux personnes sur trois. En Chine, l'utilisation de la fintech s'élargit toujours plus. 69% des Chinois sondés par la société de conseil EY ont utilisé au moins deux applications financières au cours des six derniers mois. Parmi les 20 pays observés par le cabinet de consultants, c'est le plus à la pointe. La Chine, en outre, n'est pas seulement une grande utilisatrice, elle est aussi une grande productrice de solutions fintech. Les acteurs chinois du secteur...

Harnessing Digitalisation – featuring in the G20 Leaders´ Declaration

Harnessing Digitalisation: Digital transformation is a driving force of global, innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth and can contribute to reducing inequality and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To this end, we need to bridge digital divides along multiple dimensions, including income, age, geography and gender. We will strive to ensure that all our citizens are digitally connected by 2025 and especially welcome infrastructure development in low-income countries in that regard. We will promote digital literacy and digital skills in all forms of education and life-long learning. We recognise that information and communication technology (ICT) plays...
10 July 2017

WCO supports the West and Central Africa Region on Digital Customs & E-Commerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO) with the support from the Japanese Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan) and the Burkina Faso General Directorate of Customs will conduct a Regional Workshop on E-Commerce and Digital Customs for the 23 Members of the West and Central Africa Region from 21 to 24 August 2017, at the Regional Training Centre in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The Workshop is aimed at improving knowledge and strengthening the existing capabilities of Customs administrations of the West and Central Africa Region on issues concerning  international and regional developments, including opportunities, challenges and potential solutions in the area of cross-border E-Commerce and Digital Customs. Furthermore,...
6 July 2017

Exclusive interview with Ms. Mere Falemaka on E-Commerce in Pacific Islands Region – Challenges and opportunities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mui4bfcUG6g Ms. Mere Falemaka, Permanent Representative of the Pacific Islands Forum to the WTO in Geneva, shared with us some precious insights about the specificities of the region.
4 July 2017

Release of the African Economic Outlook 2017 edition: Special theme – Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation

The annual African Economic Outlook (AEO) monitors the continent’s state of affairs using a collaborative approach. The AEO assesses the recent economic and social situation in Africa, projects likely developments for the near future and explores a special theme on the structure of African economies. The AEO 2017, the 16th edition, examines entrepreneurship and industrialisation in Africa. The report results from a unique partnership between three international organisations: the African Development Bank, the OECD Development Centre and the United Nations Development Programme. The annual African Economic Outlook (AEO) monitors the continent’s state of affairs using a collaborative approach. The AEO...
1 July 2017

Digital radically changes global investment patterns. Exclusive interview with Mr. Richard Bolwijn, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD

Discover here our interview with Mr. Richard Bolwijn, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD Mr. Richard Bolwijn, a Senior staff member from the Division on Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD in charge of the production of the report, sheds some light on the radical changes the digital is bringing about in global international investment flows. He also comments on how this is particularly affecting the developing economies.
29 June 2017

The World Economic Forum (WEF) joins eTrade for all

The World Economic Forum is the 24th member, since the creation of the eTrade for all initiative in July 2016, to join efforts to help developing countries unlock the potential of e-commerce. The Forum has joined a consortium of international and regional organizations, regional banks and national entities working with 33 private sector partners, grouped in the Business for eTrade Development, to facilitate development countries' access to information and resources to foster development gains from e-commerce. “We welcome the opportunity to work together with the eTrade for all community in boosting the development impact of e-commerce”, commented Mr. Richard Samans, Managing...
22 June 2017

The latest iteration of the Global Cyber-security Index (GCI). Estonia ranks best in Europe…

Estonian cyber-security ranks best in Europe, fifth in the world Estonia's cyber-space estate has been ranked as having the best cyber-security in Europe, and the fifth best in the world. This recognition of cyber excellence for a country that is seen as being an innovator in internet-enabled government was announced at the World Summit on Information Society Forum 2017 on Thursday, where the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) introduced the latest iteration of its Global Cyber-security Index (GCI). To read the full article please click here About the Global Cyber-security Index (GCI) The 2017 publication of the GCI continues to show...
20 June 2017

Realising the potential of Africa’s youth

"UNCTAD is proud to partner with the Government of Rwanda to champion youth technology entrepreneurship across the continent", said UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi. "It is our duty to create opportunities for young people to shape their future and become innovators and successful African entrepreneurs," Dr. Kituyi said, adding that investing in youth will not only help build hope in Africa's future generations, but will also help implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The summit, themed "Realizing Africa's Youth Potential", will bring together more than 2,500 delegates, including Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group and special advisor...
13 June 2017

eTrade for all recognized as a Champion at the WSIS Prizes 2017

WSIS Prizes honor outstanding projects that leverage the power of information and communication technology (ICT) to accelerate socio-economic development.     With over 1.1 million votes cast by the community of stakeholders in the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS) process, and out of  345 ICT success stories from around the world, eTrade for All was among the first five most voted projects in the category ICT Applications: E-Business, making it a WSIS Prizes Champion. During the WSIS Prizes Ceremony on 13 June, UNCTAD, together with UNECE and UPU, received the Champion certificate from the hands of the ITU Secretary...
9 June 2017

As booming digital economy sprints past poor countries, UN report urges closing investment divide

7 June 2017 Even though digital multinational enterprises – Internet and e-commerce platforms such as Uber, Instagram and Facebook – witnessed “dramatic” growth over the past few years, more than 60 of the top 100 such ventures were concentrated in three countries (the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany), leaving much room to grow elsewhere, a new, ground-breaking United Nations report has revealed. According to the World Investment Report 2017: Investment and the Digital Economy, released today by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), only four companies in the top 100 were based developing nations.    ...
2 June 2017

UN highlights critical role of science, technology and innovation in achieving the SDGs

The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development concluded its twentieth session on the evening of 12 May with countries reaffirming its role as the United Nations torch-bearer for science, technology and innovation for development. The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UN CSTD) acknowledged that many technological and development gaps still remain.  The gender gap was stressed in particular and countries highlighted existing digital and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics gender divides and recommended key policy options for countries and the international community to make progress in closing science and technology related gender gaps....

A new banking and bookkeeping digital solution available for e-Residency programme members

Last week, Holvi, a Finnish financial institution and e-Residency launched a partnership that will provide access to EU business banking to everyone in the world who has established a business through e-Residency. In addition, e-Residency will provide an e-commerce “business toolset”, that includes, among other things, digital invoicing and bookkeeping, and the ability to set up an online store in minutes to start selling products internationally. You can learn more here: https://about.holvi.com/e-residents/   The rollout is gradual, so at the moment it is only open to residents of the European Economic Area, but in a few weeks it will be available internationally...
30 May 2017

ITC Trade Compass: Innovating with young entrepreneurs

In this episode of Trade Compass, we think outside the box to explore innovative ideas, combining creativity and technology:http://bit.ly/2r40YOY - Hear from Dulith Herath, CEO of Sri Lanka's largest e-commerce company, who takes advantage of the sharing economy with his newest venture, Grasshoppers - Learn the concrete steps to take for even the smallest of businesses to get their products online - Meet three inspirational young entrepreneurs who create connections between seemingly unrelated ideas to launch new businesses Trade Compass is the video news programme of the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the United Nations and the...
20 May 2017

The ITU data visualisation tool is a solution

The ITUdata visualisation toolis a solution in the TradeForAll area of ICT infrastructure and services - Try it! http://www.itu.int/net4/ITU-D/idi/2016/index.html
18 May 2017

Inclusive E-Commerce: UNCTAD E-Commerce Week Interviews

E-commerce offers growth potential for the postal industry – but certain barriers must be overcome. Hear from the experience of Mr. Bishar Abdirahman Hussein - Director General, Universal Postal Union (UPU) https://www.youtube.com/embed/ik2W4_TfKDg The growth of e-commerce markets for goods, services and information is closely linked to consumer trust. Consumers take an increasingly active part in these markets, which are growing in size and number of customers. Well-tailored consumer protections are essential for the further development of these markets to the benefit of consumers and businesses alike. Hear from the experience of Ms Amanda Long - Director-General, Consumer International https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUGiwGc0eHA For...
17 May 2017

eTrade for all WSIS Prizes 2017 Champion!

Out of 345 nominated ICT success stories from around the world for the Online Voting Phase (30 March – 30 April), following a comprehensive review by the Expert Group of 467 submitted projects submitted by the WSIS Stakeholder community, eTrade for all was among those first five most voted in the category ICT Applications: E-Business. Therefore, the eTradeForAll initiative has been chosen as a champion in WSIS Prizes 2017 category 8, action line C7 ebusiness. WSIS Prize 2017 Winners will be announced to the public during the WSIS Prize 2017 Ceremony at the WSIS Forum 2017 on 13 June 2017.
16 May 2017

Global survey reveals that most people are ill equipped to deal with ransomware

Friday’s ransomware attack, which affected 200,000 computer systems in 150 countries and crippled hospitals across the United Kingdom, is a frightening reminder of how much damage can be done by this type of malicious cyberattack. A new global survey of Internet users in 23 countries and Hong Kong (China) reveals that most people are ill equipped to deal with ransomware. “It is simply unacceptable that people do not get the care they need because of cybercriminals attacking hospitals. We have a shared responsibility to collaboratively get this under control,” says Kathy Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Internet...
12 May 2017

UNCTAD, business, governments & civil society work together to develop the best strategies for inclusive e-commerce

Mukhisa Kituyi and Jack Ma through the lens of a youth representative. Under the theme of "Towards Inclusive E-Commerce", over 900 people from 99 countries met in Geneva from April 24-28. Attendees represented government, international organizations, the private sector and civil society. Participants acknowledged that there are many challenges to overcome, including infrastructure, cybercrime, lack of trust in the internet and online shopping and enabling the inclusion of women, youth, rural businesses, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and more. Gathering leading minds from business, government, youth, the international community and civil society, the UNCTAD E-Commerce Week explored practical strategies to tackle...
10 May 2017

WITSA A Proud Partner of the Newly Launched eTrade for All Online Platform

WITSA A Proud Partner of the Newly Launched eTrade for All Online Platform Chairman and Secretary General participate in first gathering of stakeholders of the global initiative  Geneva, April 28, 2017: WITSA Chairman, Yvonne Chiu and Secretary General, Dr. Jim Poisant welcomed the launch of the eTrade for All Online Platform, a key milestone for the initiative, which was launched at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Ministerial Conference #14 in Nairobi in July 2016. Ms. Chiu and Dr. Poisant, in Geneva, attended the third annual edition of the UNCTAD E-Commerce Week, with the theme "Towards Inclusive...

E-Commerce Serving Mostly Rich Economies; UNCTAD Launches Online Platform For Inclusivity

Electronic commerce is booming but mostly for high income economies, speakers said at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which is holding a weeklong event on digital trade. Technical assistance is needed for developing countries to hop on the e-commerce train, they said, as UNCTAD launched a platform designed to help developing countries navigate the arcane of electronic trade. On 25 April, UNCTAD launched its “eTrade for all Online Platform” during one of the sessions of its “E-Commerce Week.” Finland, Sweden, South Korea and the United Kingdom financially contributed to the project. Several developing country ministers praised...

UN and e-Residency join forces to empower entrepreneurs in the developing world

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has gathered global policy makers and leading entrepreneurs in Geneva for e-Commerce Week. They’ll hear how Estonia’s e-Residency programme has joined forces with UNCTAD for its groundbreaking initiative, e-Trade For All, which can help unlock global growth by giving more people the power to start a business online. “We have to build a world that is more transparent, a world that is more inclusive, a world that cares about others and empowers others.” — Jack Ma Jack Ma worked as a teacher before starting his first online business and didn’t acquire his first computer...
4 May 2017

UNCTAD e-commerce Week 2017: Putting people at the heart of the digital economy

Consumers International Blog (Switzerland), 26 April 2017 To mark UNCTAD e-commerce week (24-28 April 2017), Consumers International’s Director General Amanda Long outlines the need for a fairer and more inclusive digital economy that is built on consumer protection and trust. It goes without saying that people are at the heart of digital transformation. People as consumers, as citizens, as families, friends and employees, as students or as business owners. For many people, e-commerce is the gateway to the digital world and the wealth of social and economic opportunities it provides. It is where we buy and compare products, transfer our...

Friends of E-commerce for Development Launch Roadmap for International Trade and Development Policy

The ministers from Friends of E-commerce for Development (FED) members, namely Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, acknowledged E-Commerce as a tool to drive growth, narrow the digital divide and generate digital solutions for Developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). "We are proud to host this ministerial meeting and welcome your efforts at advancing the discussion on the link between e-commerce, trade and development', said UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi. Dr. Kituyi added that it was imperative to find together ways to bridge the digital divide, notably by helping developing countries to overcome remaining barriers...
18 April 2017

WSIS Prizes 2017

WSIS Prizes is a unique international contest developed in response to requests from the WSIS stakeholders to create an effective mechanism to evaluate and recognize individuals, governments, civil society, local, regional and international agencies, research institutions and private-sector companies for outstanding success in implementing development oriented strategies that leverage the power of ICTs as an enabler of the development. The WSIS Prizes contest is an integral part of the WSIS stocktaking process; set up in 2004 to assist WSIS implementation and follow-up. The contest was held for the first time in 2012, and rapidly gained attention and popularity within the...

Measuring the environment for e-commerce: A new tool

In order to promote e-commerce for development, policymakers and analysts increasingly want to know what the conditions are in their countries to support online business activity, and how their countries stack up against others. To this end, the multi-stakeholder eTrade for All initiative, an initiative launched in 2016 at the UNCTAD Ministerial Conference in Nairobi to improve the ability of developing countries and countries with economies in transition to engage in and benefit from e-commerce, has developed a new tool for assessing the e-trade environment at the country level. This tool was developed jointly by UNCTAD and the World Bank...