E-commerce and International Trade for Malaysia and the ASEAN Region

This course introduces the basics of e-commerce as it affects international trade, with a focus on Malaysia and the ASEAN region. Designed from a policy perspective, it begins by introducing the key characteristics of e-commerce, its importance for the global economy, and the way in which various international e-commerce rules have been crafted and adopted through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

It then moves on to look specifically at how e-commerce is incorporated in trade agreements, with a particular emphasis on Malaysia and ASEAN. Importantly, the course examines not just how different provisions related to e-commerce are incorporated into trade agreements, but also how “next generation” trade agreements are beginning to consider the issue of e-commerce with a view to its growing importance for future trade.

The course concludes by looking specifically at how e-commerce and its associated policies affect micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Again focusing on Malaysia and ASAN, it evaluates the various challenges faced by MSMEs in engaging in e-commerce, and examines legal and policy measures that could facilitate e-commerce transactions. Finally, the course briefly looks at some emerging legal and policy issues in the field of e-commerce, particularly digital taxation and the regulation of internet platforms.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the importance of e-commerce for the global economy and the current situation of e-commerce rules and standards as crafted through the WTO and UNCITRAL;
• Evaluate the provisions of different preferential trade agreements, including so-called “next generation” agreements, which Malaysia has concluded or is in negotiations to conclude with regard to e-commerce; and
• Assess legal and policy measures used to facilitate e-commerce transactions, with a particular focus on MSMEs in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.