The Global Data Alliance led a multi-industry delegation in Brisbane, Australia during the first round of in-person negotiations on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to make the case for a digital trade framework that supports jobs and economic opportunity by promoting pro-growth cross-border data policies that enable digital transformation in all sectors of the economy.
IPEF: The Backstory
As many observers know, the IPEF is a group of 14 partner nations including the United States that represent 40 percent of global GDP. IPEF has the potential to shape future digital trade policy for the collective benefit of enterprises of all sizes, alongside workers and consumers. The Global Data Alliance has encouraged IPEF negotiators to build on the strong, cross-border data standards found in prior agreements like the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) and the US-Japan Digital Trade Agreement.
What the GDA is calling for in Brisbane
Cross-border access to technology and data transfers provide benefits in every sector of the economy – from disseminating knowledge across borders to helping small and medium-sized enterprises find new market opportunities abroad. They also help create jobs at home and promote cybersecurity, fraud prevention, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Three quarters of the value from data transfers accrues to industries like agriculture, logistics and manufacturing.
The GDA supports of IPEF provisions that:
- Prohibit unnecessary data transfer restrictions and data localization mandates;
- Protect against discrimination and disguised restrictions on trade; and
- Apply to all sectors including financial services.
Businesses joining together
Representing sectors including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, financial services, health, media, natural resources, supply chain, and telecommunications, the GDA recently joined other leading US business organizations in calling for a strong digital trade chapter within the IPEF.
For more information, please see the GDA Cross-Border Data Policy Principles and the GDA’s submissions to USTR and Commerce on IPEF.
