After the meeting DG Azevêdo said:

“Trade has been at the top of the agenda here in Hangzhou — at both the G20 and B20 summits — with leaders calling for trade to be at the heart of efforts towards global growth. As part of this, we must trade more inclusively — allowing everyone to take part and feel the benefits. That means trade must work for SMEs.

“One vital element will be to ensure that SMEs can access online commercial platforms. That's why the discussion on digital trade is so important. Jack Ma presented me with his thoughts on proposals for an Electronic World Trade Platform — or eWTP - which would bring together businesses, other stakeholders, international organisations and governments to share ideas on making electronic commerce more inclusive. This proposal was one of the key recommendations adopted by the B20. I welcome his leadership on this front.

“Making progress on these issues will require a global approach — and therefore the WTO, which sets global trade rules, is looking at how to take work on electronic commerce forward, including for the benefit of SMEs and development. I look forward to working with Jack in that effort.”