Submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Consultation on Digital Trade in the Context of the WTO e-Commerce Negotiations

IGEA has made a submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s consultation on digital trade in the context of the WTO E-commerce negotiations.

We recognise the leading role that Australia has taken to kick-start the WHO negotiations on trade-related aspects of electronic commerce. Our submission seeks to support the Government’s participation and focus during the negotiations by drawing the following points:

• Video games are deeply popular with Australians and the inbound digital trade of video games generates significant economic activity within the country, drives demand for a range of related goods and services beyond just games and also supports a multitude of digital and bricks and mortar stores
• Video games are the ideal digital export for Australia (being weightless, high value and IP-based) and while DFAT has recognised games as both an economic and cultural export priority, the industry needs to be supported through policy so that it can reach its full potential
• Our key priorities for future negotiations include:

• • Reducing barriers to digital trade by ensuring there are no tariffs or data localisation requirements
  • Reducing barriers to investment and travel, including by liberalising investment rules and visa requirements
  • The importance of maintaining strong copyright protections for content creators like Australian game developers