HIGH-LEVEL INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON CROSS-BORDER DIGITAL TRADE
Unleashing the Potential of Digital Trade Through Data-Driven and Innovative Policymaking in Boosting Inclusive Growth
Organized jointly by Bank Indonesia, UN Statistics Division (UNSD) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Bali, Indonesia
- 18 October 2024
The rapid evolution of information technology has profoundly transformed global trade, paving the way for unprecedented cross-border digital interactions and transactions. The need for accurate and comprehensive statistics on cross-border digital trade has become increasingly apparent in the wake of this digital revolution.
This seminar aims to help policymakers, statisticians, academics, and others understand the increasing trend of cross-border digital trade. The discussion will focus on policy issues, opportunities, and challenges related to digital trade. It will also address the participation of SMEs and individuals/households in utilizing digitalization to boost economic growth and explore innovative methodologies for collecting cross-border digital trade statistics.
The seminar will feature presentations from distinguished officials of central banks, national statistical offices, and international organizations. It targets a diverse audience of approximately 100 participants, including central bank representatives, government officials, statistics compilers, academics, and private sector members.
The workshop will be conducted in English.
Friday, 18 October
9:00 – 9:45
Opening Remarks & Keynote Speech
Mr. Juda Agung, Deputy Governor, Bank Indonesia (BI)
9:45 – 09:55
Official Photo
09:55 - 10:00
Ms. Rebeca Grynspan – Secretary General, UN Trade and Development (video)
10:00 – 11:30
Session 1: Mitigating Challenges and Exploring Opportunities: Shaping Cross-Border Digital Trade Policy for the Future
Cross-border digital trade offers both opportunities and challenges for the development of countries. This session will address trade policy issues, particularly related to digitalization, that must be handled effectively in order to avail of the opportunities presented by digital trade for the benefit of society while also mitigating risks and challenges that could lead to negative effects on different economic and social actors.
Speakers:
- Ms. Rupa Chanda – Director of Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
- Ms. Antonia Carzaniga – Counsellor, Trade in Services and Investment Division, World Trade Organization (WTO
- Mr. Kishore Babu G.S.C. Yerraballa – Area Representative for Southeast Asia & other Member States in Asia and the Pacific, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Moderator:
- Mr. Harry S. Baskoro – Head of Balance of Payments Statistics Division, Bank Indonesia (BI)
13:30 – 15:00
Session 2: Promoting Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development in the Era of Cross-Border Digital Trade
Digital technologies can play a crucial role in connecting entrepreneurs and enterprises to international trade networks. This is especially the case for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have long faced challenges engaging in trade. These opportunities are particularly relevant for those operating in sectors with significant barriers to entry and extend to the informal sector. This ease of access is also encouraging households and individuals to become international traders, blurring the line with businesses. This session will concentrate on strategies for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the development of enterprises by harnessing the potential of digitalization to enhance economic growth.
Speakers:
- Mr. Nadim Ahmad – Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Ms. Anastuty K. – Head of the Green and Inclusive Economy and Finance Department, Bank Indonesia (BI)
- Mr. Radityo Triatmojo – President Director, ShopeePay Indonesia
- Ms. Lennise Ng – e-Trade for Women Advocate 2023/24, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Co-founder and CEO of Borong.com
Moderator:
- Ms. Witada Anukoonwattaka – Economic Affairs Officer, Trade Policy and Facilitation Section, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
15:15 – 16:45
Session 3: Measuring Cross-Border Digital Trade: Bridging the Data Gaps and Leveraging Advanced Analytics
It is important to accurately measure cross-border digital trade to inform trade policy decisions. What is the extent of digitally ordered and/or delivered trade? Who are the actors who are taking advantage of digitalization in trade? This session will explore the challenges countries encounter in compiling statistics on cross-border digital trade and consider new sources and approaches, such as data science methods, to fill the gaps in existing official data sources.
Speakers:
- Ms. Antonella Liberatore – Head of Business and Trade Statistics, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Ms. Su Jun Lee – Director International Account, Singapore Department of Statistics, Ministry of Trade and Industry
- Mr. Patrick Quill – Senior Economists, Balance of Payments Division, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Moderator:
- Mr. Markie Muryawan – Head of Trade and Industry Statistics Section, United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)
