China will speed up negotiations with DEPA members to achieve speedy results – Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications

Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yongqian Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

A ministerial meeting between China and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) was held on November 14 during the APEC Ministerial Meeting, where stakeholders exchanged views on the progress of negotiations and the next phase of work, Chinese ministry spokesman He Yongqian said. Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

China will work with DEPA member countries to speed up the negotiation process and strive to achieve results as quickly as possible, while exploring the potential of cooperation in the digital economy and promoting specific cooperation projects to achieve results as quickly as possible, he said.

On November 1, 2021, China submitted a formal application to join DEPA. It later held several rounds of discussions with DEPA members, during which it clarified China’s laws, regulations, and regulatory practices in the digital economy, and actively demonstrated its willingness to cooperate under DEPA, Xinhua News Agency reported.

On August 18, 2022, China established a working group to advance negotiations to join DEPA and began negotiations to join the agreement, Xinhua reported.

“The meetings discussed topics related to the digital economy, including business and trade promotion, handling of digital products, data issues, cybersecurity, new technologies and digital inclusion, and positive progress was made,” He said, adding that China also participates in collaboration. with DEPA members on specific topics such as electronic bills of lading and electronic invoices.

Speaking about China’s accession process to the CPTPP, he said China attaches great importance to joining the pact and has demonstrated determination, ability and action to achieve the high standards of the CPTPP by improving communication with member countries and forwarding files to the CPTPP. Committee of the CPTPP.

Since applying to join the CPTPP, China has carried out an in-depth analysis and assessment of the contents of the pact, and has prepared to put forward proposals for market access in areas such as trade in goods and services, investment and government procurement. said the representative.

Meanwhile, He said, China has also actively promoted policy adjustments and lawmaking in related areas in accordance with the contents of the pact, and has begun trial operation in qualified free trade zones and ports.

According to him, in accordance with the procedure for joining the CPTPP, China will continue to carry out in-depth contacts with members of the CPTPP and actively accelerate the process of joining the pact.

Global Times