ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the importance of digital trade and e-commerce in global trade and emphasizes the necessity of international rules and disciplines on digital trade. It expalins the possible framework for developing digital trade disciplines in such relevant agreements as those of the World Trade Organization, free trade agreements (FTA) including bilateral and regional FTAs such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, possible ‘digital trade FTA’, plurilateral agreements, and mutual recognition agreements. The chapter describes the governance of digital trade and necessary actions ahead for Association of Southeast Asian Nations and East Asia in view of the importance of digital trade and need for global and regional disciplines on it. It highlights several points as the basis for consideration: global rules as the basis for digital trade rules, proliferation of regulations and danger of digital protectionism, one barrier can stifle digital trade, avoidance of spaghetti bowls in rules, potential for inclusive, win-win growth.
