Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), on June 7, opined that the international community has a collective responsibility to help members harness the full potential of the digital economy for economic growth, job creation and trade diversification.

Iweala revealed this at a workshop held under the Work Programme on e-Commerce as a follow-up to the 12th Ministerial Conference’s wish to stimulate the programme, especially its development dimension.

However, the seminar provided an avenue for WTO members, including Nigeria, to exchange views with international organizations on cross cutting issues under the work programme identified by members in the past few months.

The workshop focused on work carried out at the international level on digital divide, the consumer protection, the moratorium on imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions and legal/regulatory frameworks on e-commerce.

Iweala hinted that members were engaging substantively on broad e-commerce-related issues with a development focus and are important to better understand the challenges and opportunities of digital trade.

Similarly, Highlighting the role of e-commerce in driving growth and trade as well as in creating jobs for women and youths, Okonjo Iweala emphasized that development related problems are restricting members from fully maximising the benefits of digital trade.

“Many countries are still lagging due to poor connectivity, outdated physical and digital infrastructure, inadequate digital financial services, deficiencies in digital literacy and skills, weak legal and regulatory frameworks, or any combination of these factors,” she disclosed.

Also, Amb. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme, General Council Chair, WTO, opined that members need to enhance cooperation with other intergovernmental organizations.