Three generations of digital trade provisions in preferential trade agreements

Abstract

This chapter provides a general analysis of the rules, standards, and principles concerning digital trade found in preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and which countries and regions have fostered such development. It traces its evolution in three distinctive periods: a first generation of agreements, focused on electronic commerce rules; a second generation, centred on the development of data flows rules; and a third generation, that has seen the appearance of ‘pure’ digital trade agreements and new data economy rules. The chapter also examines the possibility of convergence in larger agreements (plurilateral or multilateral) based on the developments found in the three generations of PTAs

About the author

Dr. Rodrigo Polanco, Senior Researcher and Lecturer, Academic Coordinator, Advanced Master Programmes, World Trade Institute