The WTO and the Joint Initiative on Electronic Commerce: But Where is Vietnam?

As e-commerce continues to transform global trade, regulatory frameworks have predominantly evolved through bilateral and regional agreements. However, since 2017, a plurilateral initiative within the World Trade Organization (WTO) has sought to establish a comprehensive global agreement on e-commerce. The continuation of the moratorium on e-commerce, as agreed upon by members at the 13^th Ministerial Conference, emphasizes a collective commitment to revitalizing efforts within the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and reaffirms the existing practice of refraining from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until either the 14th Session of the Ministerial Conference or March 31, 2026, whichever comes first. Despite the active involvement of over half of WTO members in these negotiations, Vietnam has notably abstained from participation. This article delves into the background and substance of the WTO joint initiative, while also scrutinizing Vietnam’s decision and its consequences. It assesses the advantages that Vietnam could gain from participating in plurilateral agreements to bolster its standing in e-commerce and shape global standards. Additionally, it evaluates the risks associated with exclusion and explores the wider implications for Vietnam’s trade strategy, considering the spectrum between multilateralism, plurilateralism, and regionalism.