Sept 21, 2026
The rapid growth of digitally delivered services requires better domestic regulation, stronger digital infrastructure, and closer regional cooperation to ensure broader participation in global trade. A reliable digital framework relies on transparent and predictable regulatory processes that adapt alongside changing technology and business models. Building trust is equally essential as businesses depend heavily on cross-border data flows, digital payments, and online platforms to expand their reach.
Despite significant market expansion, developing economies face structural inequalities. Digitally deliverable services represent 56 percent of global services exports, yet this figure reaches 61 percent in developed nations compared to only 16 percent in least developed countries. Furthermore, services supply 71 percent of global intermediate inputs across manufacturing and other industries. Overcoming these disparities requires addressing obstacles beyond connectivity, such as developing workforce skills, securing finance, streamlining cross-border payments, and establishing clear data policies. Navigating overlapping digital trade rules creates additional administrative burdens for smaller economies.
Effective governance demands flexibility and predictability without imposing unnecessary barriers on businesses. Strategic focus areas include implementing good regulatory practices, strengthening cybersecurity, ensuring data protection, and modernizing digital governance. Digitalization allows smaller and vulnerable economies to bypass traditional geographical and market constraints. Ultimately, international cooperation must strengthen policy execution, enhance productive capacity, and expand digital trade access for developing nations.
Reference
Economies Need Better Regulation and Stronger Digital Infrastructure for Digital Services, Say Trade Leaders | APEC. (2026, September 21). APEC. https://www.apec.org/press/news-releases/2026/0921_APEC@WTOPublicForum