WT/MIN(98)/DEC/2
25 May 1998
(98-2148)
The Geneva Ministerial Declaration on global electronic commerce
Ministerial conference: Second Session Geneva, 18 and 20 May 1998
Declaration on global electronic commerce
Adopted on 20 May 1998
Ministers,
Recognizing that global electronic commerce is growing and creating new opportunities for trade,
Declare that:
The
General Council shall, by its next meeting in special
session, establish a comprehensive work programme to
examine all trade-related issues relating to global
electronic commerce, including those issues identified by
Members. The work programme will involve the relevant
World Trade Organization ("WTO") bodies, take
into account the economic, financial, and development
needs of developing countries, and recognize that work is
also being undertaken in other international fora. The
General Council should produce a report on the progress
of the work programme and any recommendations for action
to be submitted at our third session. Without prejudice
to the outcome of the work programme or the rights and
obligations of Members under the WTO Agreements, we also
declare that Members will continue their current practice
of not imposing customs duties on electronic
transmissions.
When reporting to our third session, the General Council
will review this declaration, the extension of which will
be decided by consensus, taking into account the progress
of the work programme.