EU, U.S. agree on principles to promote trade in ICT services

The European Union (EU) and the United States Monday agreed on 10 principles to promote trade in information and communication technology (ICT) services worldwide.


The two sides promised to promote principles such as transparency of rules affecting trade in ICT and ICT services, open networks, flows of cross-border information, non- discriminatory use of local infrastructure, efficient and non- discriminatory use of spectrum and full foreign participation in ICT services sector.


European Commission Vice President for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes said that the EU and the U.S. will also seek to incorporate the principles in their trade agreements with other countries in a bid to help open up the global ICT markets to the benefit of all businesses and consumers.


EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said that the principles agreed on Monday are "an excellent example" to demonstrate the important role the Transatlantic Economic Council can play in bringing transatlantic convergence activities to a higher political level.
(Source:http://news.xinhuanet.com)