Recommendations for Policymakers

Maximize Access to Digital Tools

Governments have an essential role to play in ensuring that digital trade policies enable the entire e-commerce ecosystem that empowers small businesses to prosper in the global marketplace. They should:

• Commit to high-standard digital trade rules and enable non-discriminatory market access for services sectors critical for e-commerce including payments, logistics, and computer and related services;
• Enact paperless procedures, automated systems, electronic data, e-payment and risk management processes to facilitate goods trade and contactless customs clearance;
• Drive public-private partnerships to increase SMBs’ access to exporting technologies and digital market finder tools;
• Fully resource trade promotion programs; and
• Encourage the use of contactless technology solutions such as electronic receipt capture tools, electronic signatures, and e-payments.

Advance Equity for Women- and Minority-Owned Small Businesses

Governments also have an opportunity to establish a stronger and more inclusive global economy by maximizing the ability of digitally-enabled trade to support women, minority and underserved communities by:

• Leveraging trade agreements to ensure commitments to gender and racial equity;
• Facilitating access to capital, digital platforms and public-private partnerships;
• Prioritizing the participation of women- and minority-owned businesses across government-led trade promotion programs, consultations and communities; and
• Securing commitments from International Organizations for diversity in conference speakers.