Public Forum 2025

Welcome from Javier Gutierrez
Introduction by Hanna Norberg, Ben Shepherd, and Maurizio Zanardi

Digital Taxation Governance in International Trade The Central Role of the WTO

Anna Sá Malta (Federal University of Pernambuco)

Advancing Firm Digitalization in Africa

Floriana Borino (International Trade Centre)

Discussion by Marcelo Olarreaga and Q&As

How Does Service Liberalization Promote Productivity Evidence from China's Institutional Opening-up Reform

Yan Zhang (Central University of Finance and Economics)

Burdened by Red Tape Trade Effects from Documentation

Lisandra Flach (LMU Munich and ifo Institute)

Discussion by Roberta Piermaritini and Q&As

Posters available with authors present for discussion

Tariff Cuts Uncertainty Reduction and the Force of Many The Impact of Plurilateral Agreements

Irene Iodice (Bielefeld University)

Can Plurilateral Agreements Facilitate Global Trade Liberalization

Lasha Chochua (Tbilisi State University)

Discussion by Mia Mikic and Q&As

A Practical Framework for Sector-specific Modeling of Services Trade Policy

Saad Ahmad (U.S. International Trade Commission)

Contribution on Massive Modularity in Global Value Chains

Daria Taglioni (World Bank)

Discussion by Christian Volpe and Q&As

Posters available with authors present for discussion

On the challenges of linking policy with research how to bring research to the attention of policymakers and what may be the needs of the policy community that the research community may want to address.

Discussion by Hanna Norberg and Ben Shepherd and Q&As

Posters available with authors present for discussion

The Role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Driving Inclusive Growth

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) plays a crucial role in addressing the development dimension, particularly for developing and least-developed countries (LDCs). By facilitating digital industrialization, and enhancing collaboration with inter-governmental organizations, DPI can significantly level the playing field for these nations.

Considering the role of DPI, the session will focus on understanding how it is integral to addressing the dimension of development and to bridge the digital divide. This session will examine the trade dimension of DPIs, highlighting success stories of DPI adoption across the globe, while also calling for increased global collaboration on DPIs, both at the WTO, and outside. The session will also focus on the presently popular models of private digital infrastructure in comparison with public models of digital infrastructure by looking at the drawbacks and positives of either side, with a focus on the trade side of both infrastructure through the lens of inclusivity. The session shall look at how such infrastructures can be utilised not only domestically but adopted internationally as well. The discussions will also offer reflections on the specific barriers marginalised groups may face in this respect, and shared experiences of possible solutions from South Asia and Latin America to address such barriers.

• James Nedumpara, Centre for Trade and Investment Law
• Satwik Shekhar, Centre for Trade and Investment Law
• Amrita Bahri, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM)
• Juan Pablo Gómez, Faculty of Law, Universidad de Los Andes

Facilitation of Digital Trade between China and Latin America

In the light of the surge in the volume of e-commerce trade between China and Latin America, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping habits have been accelerated. China stands out as one of the largest exporters of consumer goods to Latin America, where platforms such as AliExpress, Shein, Temu, and Alibaba occupy pivotal positions. Furthermore, Latin America's expanding middle class, which now has greater access to the internet, aspires to turn the region into a globally appealing market.

The session will delve into the facilitations and opportunities of digital trade between China and Latin America, illustrating the current landscape of supply chains and foreign direct investment (FDI) trends. It will then take a closer look at relations between Peru and China, bilateral investments, Promotion of businesses through electronic means, the Peru-China FTA, etc. Finally, trade between Asia and Latin America at large will be considered from the angles of identifying the potential risks and conflicts during the facilitation, and expanding upon the close connection between the two regions in order to address the accelerating tariff measures imposed by the US.

• Manuel Angel Quindmil, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
• Xu Xin, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
• Henry Gao, Singapore Management University
• Xiaowen Tan, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
• Rajesh Aggarwal, Indian Council of International Economic Relations (ICRIER)

Digital Trade Agreements: Bridging Internet Fragmentation and Enabling Digital Development

The asymmetry in digital development across countries has deepened the digital divide and introduced new challenges for international trade law. At the same time, digital trade agreements—such as the WTO Agreement on Electronic Commerce, CPTPP, USMCA, and DEPA—aim to structure digital markets but often remain disconnected from technical and development considerations. This session bridges these debates by examining how trade frameworks can support inclusive digital development while promoting regulatory convergence and preserving Internet openness.

Panelists will explore whether international trade law enables or constrains digital development, and how trade agreements may either mitigate or exacerbate Internet fragmentation. Case studies from Latin America and Asia on digital trade facilitation will ground theoretical insights in practical experience.

Bringing together experts in trade law, Internet governance, and policy implementation, the session aims to contribute to a more coherent, inclusive, and forward-looking digital trade regime.

• Professor Mira Burri, University of Lucerne
• Professor Georgios Dimitropoulos, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
• Juan Pablo Gómez, Faculty of Law, Universidad de Los Andes
• Kehinde F Olaoye, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
• Manuel Quindimil, Faculty of Law, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru