"Ai Group thanks WTO Director General Roberto Azevêdo for his service and commitment to the global trading system. As a trading nation, Australia relies on an effective and proactive WTO to focus on trade issues that are relevant today and into the future," Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.
"If we ever questioned the need for global rules for movement of data and a permanent Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions, our mass digitalisation of work and education during our global response to COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated the importance of digital trade and the need for global regulatory cohesion.
"Just as trade has been essential in lifting millions out of poverty, our pathway out of the economic impacts of COVID-19 will be trade and global cooperation in institutions such as the WTO," Mr Willox said.
