Members of TPP agree to bolster digital rules

TOKYO: The 11 members of the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) agreed yesterday to take the lead in global rule-making for the digital economy and bolster efforts to make resilient supply chains amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“We strongly believe that given the current circumstances, it is more important than ever to counter protectionism and reinforce an open, effective, fair, inclusive and rules-based trading system to restore economic growth worldwide,” said a statement issued by the member states following an online meeting.

The delegates agreed to work toward setting up a subsidiary body dedicated to addressing the use of digital technologies, which have been increasingly utilised in the wake of the pandemic.

“Discussions on rule-making for the digital economy are being held globally and I hope the 11 TPP members will play a central role,” Yasutoshi Nishimura, state minister in charge of the TPP, told reporters after taking part in the meeting chaired by Mexico.

Multilateral regulation of the digital economy has been discussed at the World Trade Organization but a consensus is yet to be reached. Countries remain divided due to differences over consumer privacy protection and restrictions on the transfer of data across borders.

They also agreed to strengthen supply chains in the region to facilitate the flow of essential goods. The issue has increasingly come into focus as the pandemic has disrupted parts supplies, affecting manufacturing activities.

“We are committed to ensuring that supply chains remain open and connected so that international markets can continue to function,” the statement said.

The trade pact, officially named the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), covers around 13% of the world economy and is designed to cut tariffs on agricultural and industrial products, ease investment restrictions and enhance intellectual property protection.

It took effect in December 2018 with the 11 members after the United States withdrew from the original TPP in January 2017.

Seven members — Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam — have ratified the pact, while Brunei, Chile, Malaysia and Peru have yet to do so.

The TPP members said yesterday that they warmly welcomed the interest shown by several economies in joining the pact.

Britain, which left the European Union on Jan 31, and Thailand and have so far expressed interest.