Commerce Secretary Evans and Singapore Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo today signed the U.S.-Singapore Joint Statement on Electronic Commerce, an agreement that will strengthen bilateral efforts to maintain a global environment for electronic commerce that is free from barriers to its growth...
Washington, D.C., USA, 05 May 2003| For Immediate Release
Commerce Secretary Evans and Singapore Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo today signed the U.S.-Singapore Joint Statement on Electronic Commerce, an agreement that will strengthen bilateral efforts to maintain a global environment for electronic commerce that is free from barriers to its growth.
The Joint Statement reflects both countries' beliefs that the private sector should take the lead in developing electronic commerce and establishing electronic business practices. In addition, the Statement outlines the Parties' commitment as governments to avoid imposing unnecessary regulations and restrictions on electronic commerce; and when it is necessary for them to take action, they have promised that their measures will be transparent, nondiscriminatory and predictable.
"We in the United States consider this Joint Statement as a key tool in our global efforts to prevent the development of potential impediments to electronic commerce," stated Evans. "We are proud to have Singapore as a partner in our work to facilitate electronic commerce growth and look forward to the future cooperation laid out in the Joint Statement."
Trade Minister Yeo echoed Evans' enthusiasm for the Joint Statement, saying "The Joint Statement is a milestone for Singapore and the United States. It is a statement of joint belief and of common goals. The Statement has broken new ground in creating a framework of cooperation and identifying emerging areas of collaboration for electronic commerce. We are confident that the Joint Statement will accelerate electronic commerce development between both countries."
In addition to outlining shared views on general electronic commerce principles, the Joint Statement provides for future discussions between the United States and Singapore via video conference, seminars, bilateral meetings, and discussions on the sideline of multilateral events, with the goal of increasing cooperation on the issues laid out in the agreement.
Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Deputy Under Secretary of Trade Timothy J. Hauser among other officials from the United States and Singapore Governments witnessed today's signing, which took place at the Blair House.
JOINTLY ISSUED BY THE US COMMERCE DEPARTMENT AND
THE INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Note to Editor:
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/
For media clarifications, please contact:
Ms Dulcie Chan
Assistant Director, Corporate Communications
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 211-1999
Fax: +65 211-2227
Email: dulcie_chan@imda.gov.sg
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