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Explore ICC's comprehensive business solutions designed to facilitate global trade. From ATA Carnets and Incoterms® to model contracts, certificates of origin, and digital trade tools, discover how ICC's standards and resources support businesses of all sizes and drive international commerce. How to seize global trade opportunities Discover the steps you can take to leverage global trade opportunities for your business and kick-start your global exports journey. Go to: Step 1: Identify global trade opportunities Step 2: Understand the basics of global trade Step 3: Showcase your products abroad Step 4: Leverage your IP assets Step 1: Identify global trade opportunities Are you ready to step into the world of global trade and see your products and services travel the globe? The first step in your trade journey is to explore commercial opportunities internationally. How to get started: Identify potential customers or suppliers in foreign markets Detect where demand for your goods and services will come from Check for any benefits from regional trade agreements Research tariffs and regulatory requirements Export Potential Map Spot products, markets and suppliers with export potential and opportunities for export diversification. View the map Global Trade Helpdesk Explore trade opportunities and access information about imports, market dynamics, tariffs, regulatory requirements, and potential buyers. Access the helpdesk Step 2: Understand the basics of global trade Trading goods and services across borders comes with its own set of rules and practices. Whether you are importing or exporting products – or looking to establish a commercial presence in a foreign market. Mastering key trade processes will give you a lasting competitive edge. How to get started: Discover the rules and standard practices of export-import trade Assess whether your product or service is suitable for export with the support of your local chamber of commerce Get trained and certified in export-import trade Guide to Export/Import Everything you need to know about rules and standard practices of export-import trade, customs requirements, contractual arrangements, financing trade and organising logistics. Order the guide Export/Import Certificate Learn the basics of doing business across borders with ICC’s international trade certification, offered by the ICC Academy. Register now Step 3: Showcase your products abroad Out of sight, out of mind. To secure visibility in foreign markets, successful exporters frequently showcase their products at trade fairs, exhibitions and roadshows with potential customers and distributors. This is a powerful means to build demand for your products and establish relationships with potential customers. How to get started: Research relevant industry conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs to attend Reserve your exhibiting space early Prepare to ship your products and promotional materials overseas ATA Carnet Avoid paying duties and taxes at customs when temporarily exporting and importing your products in over 80 countries/customs territories. Learn more Step 4: Leverage your IP assets Global trade offers both opportunities to leverage your intellectual property (IP) assets and grow your business, as well as specific IP risks that need to be properly measured and addressed. When operating internationally, IP is an important consideration in respect of your providers, licensors, customers and competitors. How to get started: Find out if your business has any IP assets Learn how your IP assets can be protected Understand how to manage your IP assets in a way that adds value to your business WIPO IP Diagnostics Identify your IP assets and receive recommendations on your IP and business competitiveness. Powered by the World Intellectual Property Organization in partnership with ICC Learn more Step 1 How to seize global trade opportunities Step 2 How to draft a contract Step 3 How to execute a business transaction Step 4 How to prevent and solve potential disputes in business Step 5 How to meet international ESG requirements Related pages How to draft a contract How to draft a contract How to execute a business transaction How to execute a business transaction How to prevent and solve potential disputes in business How to prevent and solve potential disputes in business

< Back < Previous | Next > Integrity & Culture Week of Integrity 2025: A Culture of Integrity 4 Feb 2025 During an interview with a student a few weeks ago, I was reminded of why this year’s theme is so important. Coming from a very international study program, her teacher posed a simple question: Would you call the police? The answers were anything but uniform. Depending on their cultural backgrounds, the students’ trust in law enforcement varied significantly. This reminded me of an experience I had a few years ago while traveling to Vietnam. I was waiting for my colleague to pick me up at the hotel to visit a supplier’s office. Hours passed without any updates, and I grew increasingly frustrated by the apparent waste of time. Eventually, she arrived and explained what had happened. She had been stopped by a police officer who demanded a bribe to let her pass. When she refused, he took her to the station and made her wait for hours, only to release her without any fine or formal charge. At the time, I couldn’t understand why she didn’t pay. I thought, She can’t change the system by refusing to pay a small bribe if this is standard practice . But for her, staying true to her principles and refusing to participate in corrupt behavior was more important. That experience left a lasting impression on me and reinforced why promoting integrity in both the public and private sectors is essential. Even in the Netherlands, where such overt corruption might not be common, the challenges around integrity—such as fostering trust and accountability—remain pressing. Experiences like these highlight the stark differences in how integrity is perceived and practiced across cultures . As businesses become increasingly global and more foreign workers join Dutch companies, fostering a culture of integrity becomes not just desirable but essential. Employees must feel safe to speak up, report issues, and understand the principles outlined in their organization’s code of conduct. Culture—whether company, local, or national—is complex. But at its core, culture can be understood as a shared set of values, beliefs, and practices that guide behavior within a group or society. The Role of Integrity Culture in Whistleblowing This critical need—to foster a culture of integrity within organizations—was also highlighted in Transparency International’s recent report on whistleblowing frameworks in Dutch businesses . The report emphasizes that while many companies have formal whistleblowing policies in place, they often fail to address the cultural aspects that ensure these frameworks are effective. Employees must feel safe, supported, and confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon. Without a strong foundation of trust and accountability, even the best policies risk falling short of their purpose. The report identifies several key areas for improvement: Building Trust: Many employees fear retaliation or being ostracized if they report unethical behavior. This fear prevents them from coming forward, even when they witness serious misconduct. And for me this reluctance often has roots in childhood and education. From an early age, children who report issues are sometimes labeled as "tattletales" by their peers or dismissed by teachers who may tell them not to make a fuss or not to be so sensitive. These experiences shape how individuals perceive speaking up, associating it with negative consequences rather than constructive action. Addressing this ingrained mindset is essential to fostering a culture where reporting concerns is valued and encouraged. Embedding Integrity in Decision-Making: Ethical practices must be integrated into daily operations at every level. From the boardroom to frontline employees, integrity should guide decisions and behaviors. Encouraging a Safe Speak-Up Culture: Organizations must go beyond policies and create an environment where employees feel confident their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed fairly. Whistleblower Protection: While legal protections exist, businesses must ensure they actively safeguard whistleblowers and promptly address reports to reinforce trust in the process. The findings are a wake-up call for organizations to look beyond compliance and foster a genuine culture of integrity. However, this is not an issue for the private sector alone. Embracing the Complexity of Culture and Integrity I come from a multicultural family—my mother’s side has roots in Russia, Morocco, and Madagascar, while my father’s side is from Gascogne, proudly French. I was born and started school in Senegal, shaped by diverse cultures along the way. I then grew up in Marseille, a city full of contradictions, shaped by both vibrant diversity and complex integrity challenges. My teenage years were marked by the influence of the infamous Bernard Tapie—a businessman both admired and controversial. Marseille wasn’t exactly a model for integrity, but it was my home. This personal background makes me especially eager to explore this year’s theme. Integrity isn’t just about rules and compliance; it is deeply embedded in culture. Whether on a national level, within organizations, or even in childhood experiences, the way we perceive and act on integrity is shaped by the environments we grow up in and the societies we work and live in. The findings from Transparency International highlight how much still needs to be done—not only in the private sector but also in the public sphere. A strong integrity culture goes beyond policies and legal frameworks; it requires trust, leadership, and a willingness to create environments where speaking up is encouraged and protected. I look forward to engaging in discussions, hearing different perspectives, and exploring how integrity can be strengthened across cultures. This year’s theme invites us to challenge assumptions, learn from diverse viewpoints, and work together to build stronger integrity cultures in business, government, and society. Let’s start the conversation & please feel free to join our first partner meeting of 2025. Laure Jacquier, Secretary General Week of Integrity

< Back < Previous | Next > Business takeaways from the first rounds of UN Tax Framework Convention negotiations Luisa Scarcella (Global Policy Lead – Taxation and Trade) 20 Aug 2025 ICC is advocating for predictable, stable global tax rules to support cross-border trade and investment at the first rounds of United Nations Tax Framework Convention talks. Taxpayer rights, rigorous economic analysis, clarity on new instruments and effective dispute prevention and resolution were championed as key priorities for business. What’s the UN Tax Framework Convention and why does it matter for business? The negotiations for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation could redefine the foundations of international taxation, which naturally carry implications for business. Predictable and economically sound tax rules are essential for cross-border trade and investment. As the institutional representative of businesses worldwide and a Permanent Observer to the United Nations, ICC is engaging throughout this process by advocating for a system that delivers the stability businesses need to drive growth and sustainable development. Who is steering the talks and what’s the roadmap? The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is leading this process. The negotiations build on long-standing advocacy efforts from developing countries and the commitments in the 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which called for inclusive decision-making in international tax advocacy and to increase the mobilisation of resources towards the 2030 Agenda. In early 2024, an ad hoc UN committee negotiated the Terms of Reference for the process, setting out its scope, objectives and timeline.Crucially, the TOR included the decision of having two early protocols that would be developed in parallel with the Framework Convention itself. Negotiations are scheduled to run from 2025 to 2027, with the final text — including both protocols — expected to be presented to the UN General Assembly by autumn 2027. The Framework Convention will establish broad principles and mechanisms for international tax cooperation, while the protocols will deal specifically with cross-border taxation of services (drawing on provisions from Articles 12A, 12B, and 12AA of UN model conventions) and on tax dispute prevention and resolution. In August 2025, the first two substantive sessions of negotiations took place, following the release of issue notes on the Framework Convention, the two early protocols, as well as a public consultation to which the ICC provided the following submissions: ICC response to issue notes on the Framework Convention ICC response to cross-border taxation of services early protocol ICC response to tax dispute prevention and resolution earlyprotocol Week 1 discussions Week one in New York focused on the initial commitments to be included in the Framework Convention: the fair allocation of taxing rights, dispute prevention and resolution and sustainable development as well as the need for administrative cooperation. Most countries expressed a preference for high-level commitments, while some voiced a preference for first agreeing on the underlying principles. Key design questions still remain, including whether the new system will function as a Multilateral Instrument (akin to the OECD MLI) or more like the recent Fast-Track instrument designed by the UN Tax Committee of Experts. Work continues through member-country only meetings. Week 2 discussions Week two turned to the early protocols. Protocol on Cross-Border Taxation of Services : discussions centered around gross and net basis withholding taxes, nexus rules that do not require physical presence, data needs to verify service provision and dispute resolution. References have also been made to the recently adopted Article 12AA of the UN Model – which substantially change the way cross-border services are taxed, prescribing gross-basis taxation without any physical presence required – as well as Digital Services Taxes and similar measures adopted in some countries such as France, Nigeria and Colombia. Protocol on Tax Dispute Prevention and Resolution : conversations focused on current gaps in mechanisms. Open issues included scope – whether the protocol is limited to Framework Convention related disputes or all cross-border tax disputes – how to resolve cases where no treaty exists and whether to include tax arbitration. ICC advocacy priorities Inclusion of taxpayers rights among the principles of the Framework Convention to ensure tax certainty alongside the right to be heard, the right to fair treatment and the right to confidentiality, among others. Importance of economic analysis to verify that any solutions can truly be effective and not represent a barrier to trade and investment, such as gross-basis withholding taxes Tax policy should foster cross-border trade and investment that creates jobs and sustainable economic growth, not act as a barrier. Clarity over the relationship with current tax treaties and other multilateral solutions. The importance of dispute prevention (through, for example, cooperative compliance and advance pricing agreements) and ensuring that effective and efficient mechanisms are in place when disputes do arise (e.g. binding arbitration). Continuous dialogue between governments and businesses , which can share practical experience and insights. Learn more or help shape the ICC perspective at the UN Tax Framework Convention ICC will be participating in the next negotiation session on 10-21 November 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. For further information on the negotiations, potential business impacts and how to get involved with the work of the ICC Global Tax Commission, please contact Luisa Scarcella (Global Policy Lead – Taxation and Trade) at Luisa.SCARCELLA@iccwbo.org and Vidusshi Singh (Policy Advisor – Banking and Tax) at Vidusshi.SINGH@iccwbo.org .

< Back Stan Putter HBN Law Arbitrator Biography Stan Putter has over 15 years of experience in international arbitration. He primarily acts as counsel in international arbitration proceedings and ancillary litigation proceedings, including setting aside and enforcement actions, (ex parte) attachment proceedings, injunctions and evidence taking proceedings. He also sits as (chairman, co- and sole) arbitrator. He has been involved in around 100 arbitrations with seats and applicable laws across the globe. Stan Putter is the chairman of the Dutch Arbitration Association. Contact Details Netherlands +31 70 218 9400 Stan.Putter@hbnlawtax.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Dutch, English Specialisation Construction, Engineering, Energy, Finance, Corporate Law / M&A, Petrochemical, Technology Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back < Previous | Next > Beyond the Contract: Insights from the ICC NL Dispute Resolution Forum 2025 7 Oct 2025 At the ICC Dispute Resolution Forum on 7 October, experts explored how culture, trust, and human behaviour shape cross-border business disputes. The discussions revealed that resolving conflicts effectively starts long before the contract is signed. Beyond the Contract: Bridging the Human Gap in Cross-Cultural B2B Disputes “The best dispute-resolution clause is the one you never have to invoke, because you’ve established the trust to resolve the issue beforehand.” What happens when contracts clash with culture? During this year’s ICC Dispute Resolution Forum , hosted by A&O Shearman Netherlands , specialists examined how human behaviour and emotional intelligence are transforming the way global businesses approach conflict resolution. Despite the increasingly complex legal frameworks that govern international trade, the speakers agreed on a fundamental reality: conflicts rarely stem from the contract itself, but rather from the relationships that underpin it. Each year, over USD 80 billion in international B2B contracts are subjected to arbitration, with cross-border disputes growing twice as fast as global trade . Beneath these statistics lies a human narrative — how individuals from different cultures build, sustain, and sometimes lose trust. From Legal Clauses to Human Understanding Throughout the forum, three key themes emerged that continue to shape dispute resolution today. 1. Emotions play a decisive role in business decisions. As highlighted by Gideon Wilkins in his keynote address, culture and emotion influence business decisions long before a dispute arises. Although corporate negotiations may appear rational, factors such as fear, trust, and motivation often dictate outcomes before any legal provision comes into play. 2. A shift toward pragmatic, relationship-based solutions. In a panel discussion moderated by Marnix Leijten (De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek) , Ana Morales Ramos (Aramco Europe) , Thijs Geesink (ABN AMRO Bank N.V.) , and Nathalie Laumans (Technip Energies) explored how companies make real-world choices between arbitration, litigation, and mediation. They compared priorities across sectors: banks value enforceability, legal certainty, and precedents; industrial and energy companies emphasise technical expertise, confidentiality, and preserving long-term relationships. The discussion pointed to a gradual movement toward interest-based, collaborative approaches that allow parties to safeguard commercial relationships while resolving disputes efficiently. 3. Drafting clauses with clarity and foresight. In her session on drafting dispute-resolution clauses , Marieke Schaink (A&O Shearman) cautioned that many disputes originate from ambiguity, over-specificity, or copy-paste clauses that fail to reflect the real dynamics of multiparty contracts. She urged practitioners to: Ensure that the scope of arbitration clauses is broad enough to avoid related disputes ending up in different forums; Choose the seat of arbitration carefully, neutrality and a reliable legal framework prevent surprises on public policy grounds; and Exercise caution when pre-agreeing arbitrator qualifications , as overly narrow criteria can limit the pool of candidates and cause delays. Her key message: a well-drafted clause should serve the business, not constrain it. Innovation, AI, and the Future of Arbitration As the day concluded, Alexander Fessas (Secretary General, ICC Court) and Marieke van Hooijdonk (Vice President, ICC Court and independant arbitrator) reflected on how AI, expedited procedures, and revisions to the ICC Arbitration Rules are modernising the process while safeguarding due process. Their dialogue underscored that innovation and fairness must evolve together . A central message throughout the day was unmistakable: business disputes are not merely legal matters; they are deeply human. Understanding culture, communication, and emotion is vital for preventing and resolving them. Spotlight: The Truth About Cross-Cultural B2B Relationships These themes resonated with ICC’s six-part research series, The Truth About Cross-Cultural B2B Relationships , developed by ICC , Jus Connect , and McCann Worldgroup . Based on insights from 1,701 business leaders across nine countries, the series examines how culture, emotion, and behaviour influence every stage of international business. Part 1: The human Connection 2024-05-icc-jc-mccann-truth-report-part1.pdf B2B purchasing decisions often carry greater emotional weight than consumer choices, as they involve higher personal and professional risks. Success depends not only on clear contracts but also on empathy and curiosity, which help navigate cultural nuances and build trust, turning agreements into lasting, human-centered partnerships. Part 2: The Emotional Rollercoaster 2024-10-icc-template-truth-report-part2.pdf The research outlines the emotional trajectory of B2B collaboration, ranging from initial optimism to the pressures of conflict. A mindset referred to as “FOMU” (Fear of Messing Up) causes organizations to excessively complicate contracts while neglecting the importance of relationships. Part 3: Contracts and Culture 2024-10-truth-report-part3.pdf Different markets perceive contracts in varying ways; some see them as strict obligations, while others regard them as frameworks for collaboration. Misunderstanding these perspectives can quietly lead to disputes. Part 4: Trust, Transparency & Technology icc-2024-12-truth-report-part-4.pdf While technology improves efficiency, it cannot substitute for transparency or emotional intelligence. In hybrid environments, subtle misinterpretations of tone or hierarchy can undermine trust. Part 5: The Future of Collaboration icc-2024-12-truthreport-part5.pdf To effectively prevent disputes, it is essential to foster collaboration among legal, compliance, and commercial teams from the beginning, not just when conflicts emerge. Part 6: One Size Doesn’t Fit All 2025-04-truthreport-part6_V3-one-size-doesnt-fit-all.pdf Cultural diversity transcends geographical boundaries. The research identifies four global archetypes: Strategic Balancer, Pragmatic Realist, Decisive Custodian, and Innovative Explorer. The Netherlands stands out as the Strategic Balancer, characterized by pragmatism, transparency, and directness. Connecting Research and Practice Forum speakers echoed the research findings: disputes often arise from emotional disconnect or cultural misalignment rather than from defective clauses. The “ FOMU ” — Fear of Messing Up — mindset, identified in the research, mirrors real-world contract practices where risk aversion hinders flexibility. Dutch in-house counsel stressed the importance of early involvement of legal and compliance teams and of building bridges between technical, commercial, and legal functions. Ultimately, both the forum and the research highlighted adaptive leadership as a success factor: understanding behavioural archetypes helps teams balance Dutch directness with cross-cultural sensitivity. Practical Takeaways for Dutch In-House Teams Dispute prevention starts long before conflict arises. To reduce friction: Re-humanise your dispute strategy, emotions and culture shape every stage of a deal. Craft dispute clauses as tools for clarity and collaboration, involve leadership early and tailor to the project’s real risks. Align legal, compliance, and commercial functions from the outset. Adapt communication styles to partner archetypes, balancing Dutch directness with global nuance. Use technology wisely: AI supports efficiency, but trust still depends on human insight . Read further 🎧 Podcast: Listen to insights from the forum on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music: Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pdCU8Y Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4pui6KH Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4gbWP3X 📄 White paper series: Dive deeper into the research on cross-cultural B2B relationships via the full six-part series: “The Truth about Cross-Cultural B2B Relationships”

< Back Sophia Elisabeth von Dewall DERAINS & GHARAVI Arbitrator Biography Sophia von Dewall is partner at Derains & Gharavi and has acted in numerous international arbitration proceedings, as well as in legal proceedings before Netherlands state courts. She has handled arbitrations conducted under the arbitration rules of the NAI, CEPINA, ICC, HKIAC and ICSID. Her areas of practice include international investment disputes and international commercial disputes arising out of international contracts, joint-venture and shareholder relationships and large infrastructural projects. She also acts as arbitrator, including in arbitrations administered by the ICC Rules (further information, see firm website). In addition, she is Member of the Executive Board of the Dutch Arbitration Association and Member of the ICC Task Force on Corruption. Sophia is admitted to the Amsterdam Bar and registered in the Paris Bar. She obtained an LL.M. in Public International & European Law (cum laude) and an LL.M. in Dutch Law (cum laude) from the University of Amsterdam. Contact Details Netherlands, France 00 33 (0)1 40 55 51 00 svondewall@derainsgharavi.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Dutch, English, French Specialisation Energy, Construction, Contracts, Distribution, Information and Communication Technologies Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

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< Back DSI Legal Reform Advisory Board announces new Chair ICC DSI Feb 2, 2024 The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) has announced the appointment of Oliver Wieck, Secretary General of ICC Germany, as the new Chair of the DSI Legal Reform Advisory Board. Mr Wieck is joined by three Vice-Chairs: Luca Castellani, legal officer of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and one of the drafters of the Model Law on Electronic Transferrable Records; Vashti Maharaj, Head of Digital Trade Policy with the Commonwealth; and Chantal Ononaiwu, Trade Policy and Legal Specialist Office of Trade Negotiations from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). ICC Executive Board member Valentina Mintah steps down from her role as Co-Chair having served on the Legal Reform Advisory Board since 2022. Since its inception in January 2022, the Legal Reform Advisory Board has played a pivotal role in the global campaign to remove legal barriers to seamless digital trade, and engage countries and policymakers in creating an enabling policy environment for digital trade to take root. John Denton, ICC Secretary General said: “The DSI Legal Reform Advisory Board leadership has a huge amount of expertise, and truly global reach, on the issue of legal reform. We look forward to supporting them in their advocacy work towards sustainable, inclusive, digital trade. The momentum is real, and 2024 will be pivotal.” The Legal Reform Advisory Board, which brings together a wide range of policy, legal, and financial expertise on trade digitalization, was instrumental in creating a monitoring framework to track global alignment to Model Law on Electronic Transferrable Records (MLETR). Mr Wieck, who has been serving as Interim Chair since September 2023, said: “As a representative of ICC’s national committees in the Legal Reform Advisory Board, I am very excited to contribute to shaping and promoting a globally comparable legal framework for the digitisation of global trade transactions.” Mr Castellani said: “I look forward to contributing to the work of ICC DSI on promoting the broader adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, and, more generally, the digital transformation of trade. It is particularly important to include developing countries in those efforts in order to mitigate the digital divides.” Ms Maharaj said: “Within the Commonwealth legal reform to digitalize trade can be a true catalyst and game changer, particularly for developing states and it is my sincere honour to contribute to the dynamic work of the Legal Reform Advisory Board in creating a globally interoperable, integrated and enabling legal environment for trade facilitation.” Ms Ononaiwu said: “Trade Policy and Legal Specialist Office of Trade Negotiations from CARICOM, “I look forward to supporting the efforts of the Legal Reform Advisory Board to promote an enabling legal environment for paperless trade, which can greatly benefit small economies, like those in CARICOM, that are highly dependent on trade.” For more information about the ICC DSI, including tools and reports, please visit https://www.dsi.iccwbo.org/ . For business. For you. Previous Next

< Back G20 engagement ICC WBO Feb 2, 2024 News from the G20 Engagement in Brazil. John Denton was in Brazil this week for the opening ceremony of the B20, the business engagement group of the G20. Appointed Co-Chair of the B20 task force on Finance and Infrastructure, John was invited to address the role of global policies to enable business in a changing geopolitical and environmental landscape ( see photos ). Among other B20 Task Force or Action Council Co-Chairs announced this week are ICC Chair Maria Fernanda Garza (Integrity and Compliance), ICC Board Member Lama Al-Sulaiman (Employment and Education), and World Chambers Federation Vice-Chair Marie Christine Oghly (Women, Diversity and Inclusion in Business). John underscored the role of the private sector in unlocking diplomatic negotiations within the G20 in this interview with leading Brazilian newspaper O Globo. Previous Next

< Back Clock is ticking for future of e-commerce and digital trade ICC WBO Jan 24, 2024 A World Trade Organization (WTO) moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions is set to expire in February. Without its renewal, the future of e-commerce and digital trade hangs in the balance. The WTO E-Commerce Moratorium will lapse unless WTO members agree to renew it at the WTO’s upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference, which is set to take place next month on 26-29 February in Abu Dhabi. ICC is calling on all WTO members to renew the agreement and has been making the case for its permanent adoption. Without an extension, governments could start to experiment with unilateral tariffs on everything from software, digital payments, and cloud services to the data supporting popular streaming services, disrupting the digital economy and driving up the cost of digital services that businesses across the world depend on to run and grow their operations. ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “ The Moratorium is a critical safeguard and allowing it to lapse would be a historical setback, hurting small businesses and consumers the most, driving up costs and reducing access to knowledge, information, and digital tools. Not only would such a move add to a damaging pattern of escalating tariffs; it would also wreak potential havoc on the online economy. Tariffs really could ‘break the Internet’.” The Moratorium has been in place since the WTO’s Second Ministerial Conference in 1998. Since then, governments have agreed to extend it at the biennial WTO Ministerial Conference. While lacking a specific definition, the term “electronic transmissions” is generally understood to mean anything from software to digital music, movies, and video games. The moratorium has played an important role in the development of the Internet by keeping tariffs off digitally delivered products, services and content. “The agreement has played a hidden – but vital – role in the growth of the Internet economy over the past two decades shielding the Internet from distortions and disruptions induced by levies at national borders. We urge governments to ensure that the moratorium is renewed at MC13 next month,” said Mr Denton. Read more about the WTO E-Commerce Moratorium here . Previous Next

< Back Regional Summits to intensify chamber impact ICC WBO Dec 26, 2023 The ICC World Chambers Federation has unveiled a groundbreaking series of Regional Summits aimed at tackling global challenges through a regional perspective. Building on the resounding success of the World Chambers Congress, the summits serve as platforms for chambers and businesses to collaborate and lead the response to challenges and opportunities. WCF Chair Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “ Regional focus is vital to amplify the voice of the real economy and to ensure the work programme of our World Chambers Federation remains inclusive, regionally relevant and impactful. The WCF Regional Summits mark a significant milestone in our efforts to foster global collaboration and address challenges through a regional lens .” ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton said: “ Inclusivity is our guiding principle for effective multilateralism. Our ICC regional summits will underscore the pressing need for enhanced global cooperation and governance while ensuring chambers and businesses, large and small, have a voice in the decision-making processes that shape international cooperation and economic development .” The summits will enable knowledge sharing and capacity building around the four key pillars of the WCF work plan: Empowerment of women, enhanced access to global markets for MSMEs, digitalisation for MSMEs, and sustainability in business and climate action. Open to WCF members and non-members alike, Regional Summits will be co-hosted with local chambers further extending ICC’s influence and global reach to positively impact the operations of smaller businesses that are the economic backbone of communities worldwide. The inaugural WCF Regional Summit will be hosted by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and take place in Bogotá from May 8-10, 2024. Executive President of the Bogotá Chamber Ovidio Claros said: “ We are thrilled to co-host this groundbreaking regional Summit. This inclusive event aims to unite chamber members, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs in fostering solutions for MSMEs to access new markets, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous future for all globally.” A second WCF Regional Summit, to be hosted by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), is scheduled to take place from 23-25 October in Istanbul. Chambers interested in hosting a WCF Regional Summit are encouraged to contact ICC WCF for more information. For business. For you. Previous Next