Selected Issues in cross-border e-commerce development in Asia and the Pacific

Technological advances –particularly in the areas of information and communication, transport, and electronic commerce and payment – have spurred international trade. The ubiquitous usage of Internet in many countries worldwide in the past several decades and rapid penetration of mobile phones (especially smart phones) for the past decade have not only greatly facilitated conduction of international trade but also lead to new business model. When we enter an era of the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, the frontier technological breakthroughs such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchains, robotics, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things have the potential to reshape international trade. This report aims to support policy makers and general public to better understand examines the interplay between technology and trade in a context of Asia-Pacific region. It takes a closer look of cross-border e-commerce in Asia and the Pacific and provides policy recommendations.