LDCs should be empowered by e-commerce by developed states

During the fifth United Nations (UN) conference for Least Developed Countries (LDC) held at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), officials highlighted the need for financially stable nations to support the LDCs by boosting e-commerce activities. Qatar’s strong and resilient economy was cited as an example for other countries to follow. The session focused on the importance of digital trade and e-commerce in achieving the goals set out in the ‘Doha Programme of Action’ and how they can help to revitalise the e-commerce sector in LDCs.

HE Seedy Keita, The Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, outlined the country’s efforts to strengthen its economy through online trade activities. The Gambia is currently finalising its e-commerce strategy to take advantage of the opportunities in the digitalisation sector. However, the lack of a national payment method has been a major drawback for e-commerce transactions. Despite this, digitisation methods have enabled the country to foster better economic growth in recent years. Since the launch of its digital platform in May last year, revenue collection has increased from $800m a month to $1.2bn currently.