China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

A ministerial meeting between China and members of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) was held on November 14 during the APEC Ministerial Meeting, and parties concerned exchanged views on the progress of negotiations and next-phase work, He Yongqian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

China will work with DEPA member countries to accelerate the negotiation process and strive to achieve results as soon as possible, while exploring the potential for cooperation in the digital economy and push the specific cooperation projects to achieve outcomes at an early date, He said.

On November 1, 2021, China filed a formal application to join the DEPA. It later conducted several rounds of talks with DEPA members, in which it expounded on China's laws, regulations as well as regulatory practices in digital economy, and actively demonstrated its willingness to cooperate under the DEPA, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

On August 18, 2022, China set up a working group to advance talks on joining the DEPA, and launched negotiations on its accession to the agreement, said Xinhua.

"These meetings discussed digital economy-related topics including business and trade facilitation, the treatment of digital products, data issues, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and digital inclusivity, and made positive progress," said He, adding that China is also engaging in collaboration with DEPA members on specific topics like electronic bills of lading and electronic invoices.

Speaking of the process of China's joining to the CPTPP, He said that China attaches great importance to joining the pact, and has demonstrated the determination, capability, and actions to achieve high standards of the CPTPP by enhancing communication with member countries and submitting files to the CPTPP committee.

Since filing an application to join the CPTPP, China has carried out in-depth analysis and evaluation of the pact's content, and has made preparations to make offers regarding market access in areas such as trade of goods and services, investment, and government procurement, said the spokesperson. 

Meanwhile, China also actively promoted policy adjustment and law making in related area following the pact content, and started trial operation in qualified free trade zones and ports, according to He.

In line with the procedure of joining CPTPP, China will continue to carry out in-depth communications with CPTPP members and actively boost the process of joining the pact, He said.

Global Times