Asistencia técnica y creación de capacidad
Asistencia técnica y creación de capacidad
Descripción general
Las actividades de asistencia técnica de la OMC tienen como objetivo ayudar a los Miembros a desarrollar su capacidad para participar más eficazmente en el comercio mundial. La digitalización y el comercio electrónico pueden ser un motor de crecimiento económico y propiciar una mayor participación en el comercio internacional, al reducir los costos del comercio, crear nuevas oportunidades para el comercio internacional y facilitar el acceso de las empresas a los mercados mundiales independientemente de su tamaño o su ubicación geográfica.
Sin embargo, las deficiencias en las infraestructuras, la falta de competencias adecuadas y la existencia de marcos jurídicos y reglamentarios obsoletos pueden impedir a las economías integrarse en los mercados digitales mundiales y aprovechar los beneficios del comercio digital.
La OMC puede ayudar a los Miembros a comprender mejor las cuestiones relacionadas con el comercio electrónico y reforzar su capacidad de participación en los debates que mantiene a este respecto. La OMC también ha colaborado con otras organizaciones para responder a algunas necesidades y prioridades más específicas.
Types of technical assistance and capacity building
In addition to the activities (national, regional workshops, courses etc) based on the Technical Assistance Plan, the WTO has a number of programmes and initiatives focused on digital trade/e-commerce, some of which are in partnership with other organizations.
Online courses
Trade in the Digital Era online courses: Launched in 2024, this course series is available through the WTO E-learning portal. The first course provides an overview of the rise of the digital economy and discusses the benefits and challenges related to digital trade. The second focuses on key concepts underpinning digital trade. Three additional courses are in development namely on WTO rules related to digital trade, on emerging technologies, with a particular focus on AI and blockchain, and on digital trade provisions in regional trade agreements.
Online course on Introduction to Blockchain for Trade: This course, developed in partnership with ITC, introduces participants to blockchain technology and provides a basic understanding of its main features. It highlights the business value of blockchain and the relevance of the technology for international trade.
Other projects
World Bank/WTO Digital Trade for Africa (DTA) project: Launched in 2023, the objective is to support African countries' efforts to harness the opportunities of digital trade. Gap analyses have been completed in 6 pilot countries: Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. In addition to the 6 pilots, work has been initiated in the Comoros to prepare a gap analysis report in partnership with the African Development Bank.
World Bank/Inter-American Development Bank/WTO Digital Trade for Latin America and the Caribbean (DTLAC): Building on the DTA pilot phase and Members' interest to extend the project to other regions, this project was launched to support Latin America and the Caribbean countries to harness the opportunities of digital trade. Further information including the report by the 3 institutions will be made available shortly.
ITC/WTO WEIDE Fund: Launched in 2024, the joint WTO and ITC Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund supports women-led MSMEs. It aims to empower women entrepreneurs by helping them grow their businesses through international trade and digitalization. The Fund will unlock opportunities for women in digital trade by improving access to finance, technical assistance, export markets as well as networks and support services.