Assessment of the Legal and Regulatory Frameworks on Electronic Commerce in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam
| Proponent | : | Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR |
|---|---|---|
| Implementing Agency | : | AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) Secretariat |
Background
The recent years saw the growth of electronic commerce (e-commerce) in the region, with the ASEAN internet economy estimated to reach USD 200 billion by 2025, according to a Google-Temasek Report. In Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV) in particular, development of e-commerce and internet usage has been unprecedented. Navigating around this trend requires a sound and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks that are implemented effectively. While ASEAN-6 countries have largely updated national legal framework to respond to new and emerging challenges, CLMV countries require additional support. The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), through its current Work Plan III, assists CLMV countries to meet ASEAN-wide targets and commitments towards realising the goals of the ASEAN Community, particularly focusing on the interplay between e-commerce and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sectors, whereby support for enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks on e-commerce is expected to help in MSMEs’ domestic and international expansion.
What is the project aiming for?
The project Assessment of the Legal and Regulatory Frameworks on Electronic Commerce in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam aims to assess the existing legal and regulatory frameworks related to e-commerce in CLMV, including but not limited to (i) electronic transaction, (ii) privacy, (iii) online customer protection, (iv) cybercrime, (v) content regulation, (vi) domain names, (vii) paperless, (viii) spam, and (ix) electronic authentication and signature. To do this, desk research, stakeholder interviews, and national consultations in each CLMV countries, including a regional workshop, will be carried out to produce the following main outputs:
- An assessment report of each CLMV country; and
- At least two draft concept notes for technical assistance and/or capacity building to address common challenges or gaps related to legal and regulatory frameworks on e-commerce.
This Agreement will help bolster the trust and confidence of ASEAN consumers in e-commerce and drive adoption. In doing so, we will enable ASEAN businesses to grow domestically, regionally and globally.
Opening Remarks of Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore,
In the Signing Ceremony for the ASEAN Agreement on Electronic Commerce
12 November 2018
Singapore
The project recognizes the ultimate significance of e-commerce on trade and investment and how it benefits ASEAN MSMEs in terms of “lowered barriers to entry and business operating costs.” It is expected to contribute to the ASEAN Work Programme on Electronic Commerce 2017-2025, towards the attainment of an updated e-commerce legal framework. The project has commenced in March 2019 and is expected to be implemented until November this year.
As of 31 May 2019
