1. RCEP: Delivering on E-Commerce
Dr. Deborah Elms
July 2017
RCEP Negotiations, Hydrabad

2. E-Commerce Vital for MSMEs
Best method of delivering on economic growth and opportunities for smaller firms is through e-commerce and digital trade
Allows anyone, any where to become “micromultinational”
First customer can be found anywhere
Not just for B2C but also B2B
Lets smaller firms join value or supply chains
But only if policies are in place to support MSMEs across the board…

3. Specifically in E-Commerce Chapter
MSMEs need to have access to information
Blockages on data is deeply problematic
Smaller firms have no ability to split off “private” or “financial” data from any other type of data
Small firms need access to best-in-class data servers and cloud facilities
Costs of local servers often too high
Security problems often found in using local facilities
MSMEs struggle to guarantee security on their own, need to have world-class firms do it for them

4. Protection and Privacy
Small firms care a lot about customer information
Reputation is everything for small firms
But their ability to ensure protection and privacy is a challenge—count on larger providers to do it for them
RCEP should encourage online consumer protection rules for member states
RCEP should develop data protection rules that can be used by smaller firms (likely via larger providers and platforms)

5. Data Not Only Thing
Smaller firms need to be paid for goods and services—critical to get e-payments included in RCEP or whole point of e-commerce lost
Trade facilitation also very important
Especially small size, small value shipments
Any costs, delays makes MSMEs uncompetitive
Deal with returned items
Services likely to be most used by MSMEs
Broadest range of services opened via Mode 1

6. Standards Also Needed
Small firms also struggle with incompatible standards, labeling, etc.
RCEP members should aim to harmonize with international standards
Limit duplicative testing procedures
Transparency in all rules, regulations and procedures with clear sources of information so MSMEs can easily access
Allow MSMEs to participate in implementation discussions to ensure that RCEP continues to meet needs of smaller firms

7. Asian Trade Centre
The Asian Trade Centre is the premier regional thought leader, advocate and educator for trade
Strategic, creative thinking for policy and regulatory challenges
Solutions for vexing trade problems
Practical advice and suggestions for improving bottom line performance
Sensible input to craft modern trade agendas
Deborah Elms
Executive Director
Asian Trade Centre
41A Ann Siang Road
Singapore
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