ICC United Kingdom

A huge step forward at the World Trade Organization I don’t get to say that very often. But yesterday we finalised the text of a new e-commerce agreement that intends to make global digital trade faster, fairer, cheaper and more secure. It’s the first attempt at a set of global digital trade rules and it’s pro-business, pro-consumer, and pro-development The work isn’t over yet. Many countries are still considering whether to sign up. Then we need to try to incorporate it in the WTO legal framework. And it’s also only the first stage. We want to go even further and address crucial areas such as data flows. But big thanks to the co-convenors of the effort - Australia 🇦🇺 Japan 🇯🇵 and Singapore 🇸🇬 And a shout out to my own digital trade team Eve Elwell & Georgina Walker #digitaltrade #ecommerce #wto

UK joins the first global digital trade agreement negotiated under the World Trade Organization Reaching this agreement is part of the government’s commitment to rebuild and strengthen global partnerships and stand up for the rules-based international order. It is an important step in modernising the global trade rulebook and furthering cooperation in the World Trade Organization. Not only will the E-Commerce Joint Initiative deliver new growth opportunities for the UK, it also recognises the importance of supporting developing and least-developed countries, to ensure growth and prosperity for all.  Chris Southworth, Secretary General, ICC United Kingdom said:  Businesses and economies thrive when there is one common set of rules. The E-Commerce Agreement is a major breakthrough and an excellent reminder of the power of international collaboration. It creates the environment we need to drive innovation as we transition away from archaic paper-based processes and into the modern world of data and technology.  It is an opportunity to accelerate efforts to digitalise our borders and global supply chains, and help to remove unnecessary friction and costs that prevent SMEs from trading. This is good news for business, consumers and the economy. Department for Business and Trade Department for Science, Innovation and Technology HM Revenue & Customs HM Treasury Cabinet Office International Chamber of Commerce Jonathan Reynolds MP Peter Kyle Barclays Paul Drechsler #datanotpaper #C4DTI #SayNoToPaper

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IS HOW WE DELIVER GROWTH In a world of populism, nationalism and protectionism this agreement demonstrates, once again, that it is through international cooperation that we deliver shared prosperity and ensure that trade is conducted smoothly and equitably. No nation can operate in isolation; cooperation is how we deliver growth and stability for all. For the UK, the World Trade Organization agreement is crucial. It is designed to reduce trade friction and make trade more efficient, affordable, and sustainable, aligning perfectly with the UK goals of increasing #productivity and fostering economic #growth. It represents a collective effort to reduce trade friction and make trade cheaper, faster, and simpler. It is the first upgrade of the rules on digital trade since they were created in 1992. I'm proud to say ICC United Kingdom advocated for it, were there on day one at #MC11 when this initiative was launched and we have been strong advocates for it ever since. For the UK, trade #digitalisation is estimated to deliver £25 billion in economic growth, £224 billion in efficiency savings, £1 billion in additional trade finance and a 35% efficiency gain for #SMEs. This means fewer barriers, less red tape, and reduced costs for exporters, importers and consumers. The agreement ensures that UK businesses can compete on a level playing field in the global market. It helps us remove paper from #trade once and for all, streamline systems and promote simpler, modern ways of doing business. And, it helps us become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, lowering carbon emissions, promoting transparency, reducing risk and aligning with global sustainability goals. It also presents an excellent opportunity to work collaboratively with the EU. We should applaud the government for its role in helping make the agreement happen. The opportunity is to capitalise on this achievement and to drag the trade system trade out of the 1800's and into the 21st century. Jonathan Reynolds MP Department for Business and Trade Department for Science, Innovation and Technology HM Revenue & Customs HM Treasury Cabinet Office Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) EACT - European Association of Corporate Treasurers Association of Corporate Treasurers International Chamber of Commerce The ASEAN Secretariat Lord Holmes Lord Karan Bilimoria Paul Drechsler British Chambers of Commerce CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Make UK techUK UK Finance Sean Edwards Tod Burwell CARICOM: Caribbean Community The Commonwealth Vashti Maharaj Gwynne Master Lord Iain McNicol #C4DTI #SayNoToPaper https://lnkd.in/ekThB5zq.

📢 Chambers, mark your calendars for this FREE event: Explore the effective strategies that regional Chambers and businesses are using to tackle the climate crisis. Why Attend? ✔️Insightful sessions ✔️Networking opportunities ✔️Meaningful B2B meetings 🗓 15-16 October📍 Istanbul, Turkey 🔗 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eWV_MbyD #WCFEuropeAsia

🛜 Cyberattacks have real world consequences. In today’s digital era, cybersecurity isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity to safeguard our critical infrastructures: ✔️energy ✔️ water ✔️transportation ✔️finance ✔️communication Our latest working paper emphasises the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling cyberthreats. Together, we can build a resilient framework to protect our most vital services. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3zNtQlW How do you think we can strengthen our cybersecurity efforts? Share your insights in the comments below ⤵️

We are delighted to announce that registrations are now open for the ICC United Kingdom upcoming event, "Exploring Sustainability and Competition" taking place on Tuesday, September 24th from 16:00 to 19:00 BST at Eversheds Sutherland in London. 📢 Secure your place here: https://lnkd.in/duTasgTr The world is changing at an incredible rate, and businesses, large and small, must adapt their models to meet ambitious sustainability goals. These goals include mitigating the risks associated with climate change and environmental harm, as well as addressing social impacts to create a greener, more inclusive society. In today's demanding marketplace, sustainability is no longer optional—it is a priority. However, businesses often face the challenge of navigating Competition Law when seeking to collaborate with others. Join us for an insightful event where expert speakers will discuss how companies can collaborate within the rules of competition law to promote sustainable transitions, reduce emissions, and ensure resilient supply chains. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how your business can effectively contribute to sustainability while staying compliant with competition laws. #Sustainability #BusinessCollaboration #CompetitionLaw #GreenBusiness #ClimateAction #SupplyChainResilience #CorporateStrategy #SustainableFuture

Its not too late to register for the ICC United Kingdom Arbitration Masterclass on Construction Disputes. Supported by the Construction GC Group, the webinar takes place at 15:00 - 16:30 BST tomorrow (17th July). Secure your place here - https://lnkd.in/e2R_g-iU Construction disputes are arguably the most complex and high-value type of disputes resolved through arbitration and ADR. In this masterclass, general counsels of major construction companies will discuss the client perspective on present and future trends of construction disputes. Panellists will consider what works well and what could be improved giving invaluable insight into how arbitrators can assist their clients. Speakers include: Joseph Otoo, Senior Legal Counsel, Associate Director, Arup Adam Fenwick, General Counsel, Lamprell Group Mike McClure KC, Partner, Global Co-Chair of Korea Group, Herbert Smith Freehills Fabio Solimene Guy Pendell Duncan Bagshaw Samantha Rowe #arbitration #constructiondisputes #ICCArbitration #internationalarbitration #generalcounsel

📢 Join Our Webinar: The UN Tax Framework Convention - Terms of Reference and What's Next 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, 17 July ⏰ Time: 14.00 – 15.00 BST 🌐 Location: Virtual (Zoom) Effective international tax cooperation is crucial for eliminating double taxation and enhancing global tax certainty. The International Chamber of Commerce has consistently advocated for transparent, efficient, and stable tax regimes that foster long-term investment, job creation, and economic growth. Our commitment to inclusivity and multilateralism in international tax cooperation remains steadfast. As Permanent Observers to the UN General Assembly, ICC has been actively engaged in the UN Ad Hoc Committee Bureau's Proposal for the Zero Draft Terms of Reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. Ahead of the next session, which will start at the end of July, join ICC United Kingdom for a deep dive into the new process for a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and its Terms of Reference, which must be finalised by August 2024. In this webinar, we will guide you through the process leading to the UN Framework Convention and the latest version of the Terms of Reference to be negotiated. 🎤 Speakers: John Connors (Vodafone and Chair, ICC Global Tax Commission) Philip Baker (Field Court Tax Chambers) Join us to gain insights into the ongoing negotiations and ICC's submissions. 🔗 Register Now: https://iccwbo.uk/events/ ICAEW Institute For Fiscal Studies ACCA #TaxCooperation #UNFrameworkConvention #ICCTax #GlobalTax #Webinar #InternationalTax #Investment #EconomicGrowth #Multilateralism #TaxPolicy #DoubleTaxation #WeAreICC

ICC’s ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is calling for sustained vigilance to protect seafarers amid increasing violence despite an overall drop in the number of incidents reported in its mid-year report for 2024, released today. Download your copy of the 2024-January to June- Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report here: https://lnkd.in/eYcHnTVw To learn more about the ICC Commercial Crime Services visit: https://www.icc-ccs.org/ #supplychains #IMBpiracy #globaltrade #Seafarers

We are delighted to share the launch of the ICC Working Paper on Protecting the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures and their supply chains. International Chamber of Commerce Protecting the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures and their supply chains is crucial for the simple reason that these systems power our daily lives—from electricity and water to healthcare and transportation. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, ensuring the resilience and security of these critical systems is not just a technological necessity but essential for the safety and stability of modern life. The paper explores the complexities of protecting these systems, and provides a taxonomy and strategic recommendations to address these challenges. It analyses the current state of cybersecurity for critical infrastructures and their supply chains, evaluates existing frameworks, policies, and technologies, assessing their strengths and weaknesses and identifying best practices as well as areas in need of enhancement. 🌐 "Global business losses from cyberattacks on supply chains are set to soar from $45 billion in 2023 to $138 billion by 2031." To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach is needed:  📝Transnational agreements: Establish baseline cybersecurity standards across supply chains, reducing complexity and enhancing resilience.   📝 Coordinated efforts: Requirement to mitigate cyber threats, combat criminal groups and state-sponsored actors.  📝 Incentivise cybersecurity investment: balancing economic profitability with public investment is crucial to ensure the resilience of essential services and critical infrastructure. In conclusion, safeguarding critical infrastructure and essential services requires a coordinated, multifaceted approach involving:  ✔ international cooperation  ✔ policy enhancements, and  ✔ public-private partnerships.  Timea Suto Meni Anastasiadou #Cybersecurity #SupplyChainSecurity #ICCPaperLaunch #CyberResilience #TechInnovation #PublicPrivatePartnerships #GlobalSecurity #TransnationalAgreements #DigitalSafety #InfrastructureProtection #CyberThreats #ICCInitiative