A group of WTO member states has adopted the first global rules on electronic commerce, despite the opposition of some members.

A group of 66 member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has decided to introduce the first basic rules for global electronic commerce, despite the opposition from some countries, the organization announces.

This initiative comes after repeated blockages in integrating the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the official WTO rules. The agreement, reached during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, aims to create an open and predictable framework for digital trade. The decision reflects the frustration of states advocating for the liberalization of digital trade in the face of the consensus requirement for multilateral agreements. The Japanese Deputy Minister of Economy described the agreement as a "historic step," while the British minister highlighted the benefits for companies. India, a major opponent of the agreement, warned that trade rules should be adopted by consensus.

The agreement does not include the United States, which is currently reviewing its position.