Over the past 20 years, the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) has increased worldwide access to high-tech goods, such as computers, mobile phones and semiconductors. It has also contributed to greater access to the Internet and the growth of the digital economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals in both developed and developing countries. Finalized at the first WTO Ministerial Conference in 1996, the ITA commits its participants to eliminating tariffs on a wide range of IT products with an annual value of approximately US$ 1.7 trillion. To mark the 20th anniversary of the ITA, this publication analyses the impact of the ITA on its participants and on worldwide trade in IT products. It demonstrates how the Agreement has not only made high-tech products more affordable but has also helped to promote innovation and to support developing countries' integration into global production networks. The publication also reviews new developments, such as the landmark deal concluded in 2015 to eliminate tariffs on an additional 201 IT products valued at over $1.3 trillion per year. Finally, it highlights what still needs to be done to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of providing universal and affordable access to the Internet so that the benefits of the digital revolution can be enjoyed by all.

Of particular interest to negotiators, economists, and all academics who specialise in international trade policy.

This book walks readers through an outsourcing transaction step-by-step: analyzing the benefits, selecting vendor, structuring the deal, managing the relationship. Provides managers with an organized methodical approach to the often intimidating prospect of relinquising absolute control of every aspect of a company's business.

The Tech Contracts Handbook is a practical and accessible reference book and training manual on IT contracts. This is a clause-by-clause "how to" guide on software licenses and technology services agreements, covering the issues at stake and offering negotiation tips and sample contract language.This handbook is written for both lawyers and businesspeople, including contract managers, procurement officers, corporate counsel, salespeople, and anyone else responsible for getting IT deals done. Perhaps most important, this book uses simple English, as any good contract should.Topics covered include: ·Software as a service (SaaS) and cloud computing agreements ·Warranties ·Indemnities ·Open source software ·Service level agreements ·Nondisclosure agreements ·Limitations of liability ·Internet and e-commerce contracts·Software escrow ·Data security ·Copyright licensing ·And much more

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) asked the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to deliver two reports providing advice and information on a draft list of products that could be considered for addition to the International Trade Agreement (ITA) product coverage. This draft list was prepared by a number of ITA participant countries. The USITC's first report lists both the information and communications technology (ICT) purposes and the non-ICT purposes for which each of these products is used, and summarises information provided by interested parties to the Commission on the import sensitivity of these products. The second report identifies tariffs in major markets, the major producing countries, the leading U.S. export markets, and the leading sources of U.S. imports for each of the products on the list. In addition, the second report examines the benefits to the U.S. industry of ITA expansion, including information on increased market access and export opportunities in selected key sub-sectors.