By Chen Hongna, Research Department of Foreign Economy, DRC

Research Report, No.299, 2020 (Total 6043) 2020-12-14

Abstract: As a new mode of value creation and transaction, the significance of the development of digital trade lies not only in the expansion of the scale of digital delivery service trade but also in the exploration of the potential of data to make economic activities more intelligent and service-oriented, which has greatly changed the development mode of globalization, expanded the influence of international trade and become a focus of the development of all countries. Negotiations on rules on digital trade and cross-border data flow have also become an important part of the reconstruction of the international economic order. However, China’s participation in the negotiations and preparation of systems are insufficient. Facing mounting risks of being marginalized, China may be disadvantaged in future international competitiveness. Therefore, it is urgent for China to take proactive measures to improve its systems in line with global rules. It needs to aim at promoting the establishment of a common rule system at home and abroad , focus on building a regulatory system favorable for cross-border data flow, develop business environment that can facilitate local digital companies to go global and attract international multinational companies to develop businesses in China and make all-out efforts to support the development of digital trade through the construction of digital infrastructure.

Keywords: digital trade, negotiations on rules, challenges