The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism announced on March 28 that Peru has approved the Electronic Commerce Agreement, marking its participation in the first global accord to set common rules for digital trade. The decision was made during the Fourteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Yehudé, Cameroon, where Peru joined 65 WTO members representing about 70% of world trade.
This agreement is significant as it aims to promote an open, predictable, and reliable environment for international digital transactions. With more than 60% of global GDP linked to digital transactions, the accord seeks to facilitate electronic commerce and reduce regulatory fragmentation that can hinder its growth.
César Llona, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and head delegate at the conference for Minister José Reyes Llanos, said: “In a context in which more than 60% of global GDP is linked to digital transactions, this agreement has been designed to facilitate electronic commerce, strengthen trust in the digital environment and reduce regulatory fragmentation that hinders its expansion. In particular, it seeks to establish global commitments that allow us to fully leverage the potential of the digital economy.”
Under this new framework, Peru will make commitments on digital trade with partners across America, Europe, and Asia. The agreement provides opportunities for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises by enabling them to offer services internationally without needing a physical presence abroad. It also includes a permanent commitment not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions.
During the WTO ministerial conference (CM14), a declaration was adopted along with interim provisions and arbitration mechanisms. These measures will allow the agreement to take effect as a plurilateral instrument once more than 45 members complete their internal procedures. The ministry said this instrument will be binding among participants until it is eventually incorporated into WTO rules.
