SINGAPORE – November 19, 2020 – The Global Data Alliance welcomes the joint statement by APEC Ministers at the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting. Ministers underscored the importance of connectivity and digitalization to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 and counter its impacts on vulnerable economies and populations. In their Joint Statement, Ministers urged APEC economies “to share best practices to harness the opportunities of digital economy and foster an enabling environment, acknowledging the importance of cooperation on facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer and business trust in digital transactions.”

The Global Data Alliance shares APEC’s perspective on the importance of cross-border data transfers and digital trust. "Innovative digital ecosystems depend upon cross-border access to technology and the trusted and seamless movement of information across borders," said Eunice Lim, Senior Manager, Policy — APAC. "We support APEC economies' efforts to harness new and emerging technologies for the benefit of all their citizens and initiatives that will enhance data interoperability. An open and interoperable digital environment that allows data to flow can help promote economic opportunity and digital inclusion across the Asia-Pacific."

APEC completed a review of progress towards achieving the so-called "Bogor Goals" – APEC goals set in 1994 to achieve a free and open trade and investment environment by 2020. As explained in the Report of the APEC Committee on Trade and Investment, the review concluded that, while "progress has been made in many areas,... unfinished business remains, [including in relation to]... restrictions on cross-border data transfer, storage and processing."

About the Global Data Alliance

The Global Data Alliance (globaldataalliance.org) is a cross-industry coalition of companies that are committed to high standards of data responsibility and that rely on the ability to transfer data around the world to innovate and create jobs. The Alliance supports policies that help instill trust in the digital economy while safeguarding the ability to transfer data across borders and refraining from imposing data localization requirements that restrict trade.

Alliance members include BSA members and American Express, Amgen, AT&T, Citi, ITB360, LEGO, Mastercard, Medtronic, Panasonic, Pfizer, Roche, UDS Technology, United Airlines, Verizon, VISA, and WD-40 Company. These companies are headquartered across the globe and are active in the advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, energy, financial services, health, supply chain, and telecommunications sectors, among others. BSA | The Software Alliance administers the Global Data Alliance.