Export Challenges Faced by S&SEA e-Commerce Providers

Abstract

This Country Update Note addresses the most pressing issues faced by e-commerce providers in exporting their products or services. The note incorporates the views of the public and private sectors, and covers general business challenges as well as policy and regulatory aspects. The objective is to understand the export challenges they face in operating in the e-commerce sector, so that WTO negotiators may address these concerns. For the purpose of this note, an ‘e-commerce provider’ is defined as any private enterprise that engages in trade through electronic means. The note specifically looks at e-commerce providers engaged in cross-border trade i.e. e-exporters. Examples of such trade include: online sales and marketing, accommodation booking, any mode of transport booking, digital financial services, medical services, provision of digital goods such as graphics, e-books, and online courses.