Afghanistan: Announced Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development

On 18 October 2023, in the context of the Belt and Road Forum, China, together with 35 other countries, announced the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development. The Initiative is built on seven pillars, divided into four parts: First, regarding digital trade and economic cooperation, it embraces a commitment to an open and safe environment, improving trade facilitation, overcoming the digital divide, and enhancing consumer trust. Second, in light of a green development cooperation, it stipulates the creation of a good policy environment for promoting green development, the strengthening of trade cooperation to promote green and sustainable development, and the encouraging of green technology and service exchange and investment cooperation. Third, the initiative focuses on capacity building, e.g. through cooperation and skills training in digital and green areas. Lastly, various means are suggested to implement the initiative, such as cooperation projects, best practices, analysis reports, and more. Specific focus areas mentioned are the development of cross-border electronic payments, expanding telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing e-commerce consumer and data protection,