With the
Fourth Industrial Revolution, a digitally connected global era has begun.
Leading global companies are harnessing innovative technologies such as
internet of things, big data, artificial intelligence, robotics and digital
twin to revolutionize manufacturing process. This transformation is resulting
in the creation of new business models and value-added products. It is time to
shift the paradigm of trade by reforming the old mindset dominated by tangible
goods. While current trade agreements contain some rules on digital trade, the
scope of discussions lag behind the business reality of industrial digital
transformation. This article purports to rebuild the objectives and priorities
of global digital trade negotiations, by reflecting recent hyper-connectivity
and hyper-intelligence. It proposes eight items for digital trade negotiations:
digital transformation (DX) in trade, digital manufacturing services, internet
access and traffic cost sharing, data trust for interoperability, artificial
intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity and trade, big-tech platform
regulations, and digital business taxation.