BRUSSELS – February 12, 2021 – In evidence submitted to the House of Commons’ International Trade Select Committee, BSA | The Software Alliance encourages the UK to embrace a modern digital trade agenda to encourage growth and innovation opportunities in all sectors across the country.

“COVID-19 has transformed the global economy and underscored the indispensable role of digital technologies in our lives. At a time of economic hardship for many countries, including the United Kingdom, digital trade is a beacon for recovery,” said Isabelle Roccia, Senior Manager, Policy – EMEA at BSA. “It is estimated that 60 percent of global GDP will be digitized by 2022, yet we are seeing a rise in digital protectionism in many regions of the globe. As it agrees new bilateral trade pacts and launches accession talks to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), London should seize the opportunity to champion forward-looking digital trade rules.”

“As one of the most innovative countries in the world, the UK can help drive the convergence of digital trade rules and trust-based governance at the global level,” Roccia added. “A two-pronged priority should be to support the seamless and secure movement of data across borders and to maximize interoperability among privacy frameworks around the world. BSA looks forward to ongoing engagement with the UK Government and sharing our deep industry expertise to help advance these goals.”

Read BSA’s full submission here.