Information Technology Agreement’s role in AI readiness highlighted in thematic session

The Information Technology Agreement (ITA) Committee on 23 June held a thematic session featuring presentations from public and private sector experts on how the ITA can be harnessed to enhance access to AI-enabling technologies, particularly for developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs). The session aimed to enhance awareness of AI's high dependence on information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and how eliminating tariffs on hardware - such as chips and servers - under the ITA helps reduce costs, accelerates the deployment of frontier technologies and stimulates inward investment in this sector.

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• Information Technology Agreement
• Digital technologies and trade

• Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information Technology Products

The thematic session, co-hosted by Thailand and China, brought together representatives from government, industry and academia to exchange views and practical experiences. The Chair of the ITA Committee, Mr Andrei Rusu (Romania), said the exchange helped members better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with AI development and adoption within the scope of the work of the ITA Committee.�

Experts from the University of International Business and Economics (China) and the Big Data Institute (Thailand) emphasized that trade openness through the ITA is vital for bridging the global AI infrastructure gap, helping to lower costs for the high-performance hardware necessary for national AI deployment and for the digital services ecosystem.�

Representatives from eCourier Limited (Bangladesh) and�INMO Technology (China) provided private sector views on the importance of hardware for capacity building in developing economies. They also noted several obstacles to AI readiness, such as high tariffs and infrastructure deficiencies, noting the important role of the ITA and the WTO in eliminating trade barriers to support inclusive digital transformation.�

The presentation from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) emphasized the critical role of international standards in ensuring global interoperability.�

Several speakers also encouraged the ITA Committee to explore expanding product coverage in the ITA, enhance synergy among other WTO bodies, and discuss how to support developing economies and LDCs to bridge the digital infrastructure gap.�

The thematic session was the second organized by the ITA Committee.�

Committee meeting

At the Committee's meeting on the same day, Viet Nam formally expressed its intention to join the Expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA II). Viet Nam submitted a note verbale on the matter to the WTO in early April. A national workshop is scheduled in Hanoi in July to facilitate the process.�

Viet Nam's representative highlighted that as the country increasingly becomes an important regional hub for electronics and high-tech manufacturing and export, it recognizes the benefits of deeper engagement in the ITA framework. Several members took the floor to welcome Viet Nam's decision and said they looked forward to reviewing Viet Nam's draft ITA Expansion schedule.�

Several ITA participants again expressed concern over Egypt's application of additional 10% duties on imports of cell phones. Egypt said the issue is under discussion among relevant national authorities and that it will update the Committee accordingly.�

The Committee also discussed ongoing work to identify major non-tariff barriers affecting trade in ITA products and exchanged views on a structured approach to resolve long-standing classification divergences of "Attachment B" products of the ITA that receive duty-free treatment.�

The next formal meeting is tentatively scheduled for 19 November 2026.

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