The growth of the digital economy has spurred new concerns about global tax regimes, and the negotiation of trade terms — including non-tariff barriers and the alignment of policies — even as intellectual property rights are redefined and e-commerce changes industry practices. The backdrop to these developments is the rapid and unpredictable advance of technology, which has prompted the need for adaptive policies.
This discussion comes at a critical time for digital trade in Asia, with the recent conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the continent's emergence as a major contributor the global digital economy.
Robert W. Holleyman II serves as Deputy United States Trade Representative with the rank of Ambassador at the Office of the US Trade Representative. Ambassador Holleyman’s responsibilities include US trade and investment relations with Asia, as well as trade negotiations and policy coordination in the areas of services, investment, intellectual property, and innovation. In addition, he represents USTR on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and serves on the board of directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).
Shyam Saran is a career diplomat. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1970 and has served in several capitals of the world including Beijing, Tokyo and Geneva. Currently, Ambassador Saran is Chairman of Research and Information System for Developing Countries. He is also a Senior Fellow with the Centre for Policy Research. In 2011, Ambassador Saran was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the President of India for his contribution to civil service.
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