E-commerce is one of the key drivers of growth and innovation in the world today. It has significant potential for Micro, Small, and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). If applied properly, e-commerce can make MSMEs more competitive and allow them to grow and thrive in what is becoming a highly competitive global market place. But the digital revolution may leave out many businesses and consumers in developing countries, who stand to benefit most from opportunities like direct access to customers all over the world and a larger choice of goods and services at lower prices. Most of the $US25 trillion in online sales in 2015 took place in developed economies -- with the exception of China, no developing or transition economy is among the top 10 e-commerce markets.

The objective of the project is to promote best practices and evidence-based policies on e-commerce by delivering capacity-building activities at two levels on e-commerce: Best Practices in e-Commerce; and Strengthening Capacities on Digital Authentication Methods. To cross-fertilize ideas, both policy-makers and entrepreneurs are the target participants. It is expected that the project will result in enhanced capacity of policy makers and entrepreneurs in understanding issues pertaining to e-commerce and their readiness in designing e-commerce strategies and laws and regulations to facilitate the development of e-commerce.

Expected Accomplishments:

1. EA1 - Enhanced understanding by key actors from beneficiary countries on legal and practical aspects of e-Commerce

2. EA2 - Strengthened capacities of policy-makers of beneficiary countries in designing e-Commerce policies to promote new digital services and develop digital authentication methods

In order to achieve these expected accomplishments , the first year will focus on the development of two tailor-made course materials, including an online material. To better identify the training needs and the target population, a fact-finding mission will be organized in the three beneficiary countries. On the second year, the project will focus on course delivery (on-line and face-to-face). On the third year, two publications - one on e-commerce best practices and the second one on authentication - will be produced. A final workshop will be set up to validate the policy proposals on e-Commerce and digital authentication and disseminate the information widely.

The project builds upon UNCTAD's more than two decade-long experience, through its TrainForTrade programme, on capacity building to strengthen trade-related human and institutional capacities in the areas of its mandate.

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