Joint Statements

In addition to promoting electronic commerce through international trade agreements, Canada also signed four Joint Statements on electronic commerce with the following countries:

• Australia;
• Costa Rica;
• European Union (EU);
• United Kingdom (UK).

The Joint Statements indicate a commitment on behalf of the parties to promote the use of electronic commerce through fundamental principles. For example, these statements reiterate the importance of multilateral agendas, while outlining the necessity for the partners to cooperate on domestic policy issues such as privacy, security, consumer protection and taxation. All statements, recognizing the potential benefits of the digital economy, emphasize a shared vision for global e-commerce as its fundamental purpose.