Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today issued a statement on the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference. The following can be attributed to TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore.
“Maintaining a rules-based global trading system and ensuring U.S. businesses and workers are able to compete fairly in the global marketplace is critical for economic growth and job creation. We applaud members of the WTO for coming together this week to discuss policies that are critical to the success of our global economy.
“During this week’s meetings, the WTO must renew the e-commerce moratorium that has been in place for more than 20 years. It has allowed digital trade to flourish and prevented costly tariffs on international data flows. Imposing tariffs on electronic transmissions would have severe impacts on our economy and place major financial burdens on U.S. companies.
“Global trade faces many headwinds, including war, gaps in global supply chains, and continued economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. must continue to support the work of the WTO to ensure international trade propels our economy forward, creates jobs, and strengthens our global leadership in innovation and technology.”