Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Acknowledged
Shift greater attention to joining open-ended digital agreements for faster market access.
Recommendation
As part of the new trade strategy, the Government should shift greater attention and resourcing toward joining open-ended digital agreements, such as DEPA, that better reflect the Indo-Pacific’s role as the engine of global digital growth, and offer faster, more flexible market access than traditional FTAs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 48)
Government Response Summary
The government states its Trade Strategy intends to explore deepening digital trade cooperation and agreements, including exploring accession to DEPA if in the national interest, but is not yet in a position to confirm seeking accession.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Trade Strategy makes clear the Government’s intention to explore opportunities to deepen digital trade cooperation and strike further digital trade agreements. Sector specific agreements will be a key part of the Government’s support of the digital and technology growth driving sector. Exploring accession to DEPA, if it is in our national interest, will be part of this. The Government is at an early stage in this work and is not in a position to confirm that we will seek accession at this point. As also referenced in the Trade Strategy, other potential digital trade agreements are also being explored with Thailand and Malaysia.