[thelist] WTO - eCommerce Connection

Lots happening in Seattle this week. There's a net connection - thought
it might be of interest.

	- Joe

From IWNews today:

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U.S. Focuses on E-Commerce in Trade Talks

By Kathleen Murphy

E-commerce issues are getting serious attention at the
World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle this week
despite demonstrations in the streets that have disrupted
the summit. 

The Clinton Administration's agenda includes extending the 
moratorium on Internet tariffs and ensuring that existing
trade rules remain in effect in the era of online commerce. 
The meeting opened Tuesday and closes Friday. 

Much is at stake in allowing the Internet to continue its
growth without tax burdens. WTO ministers have already
banned duties on e-commerce until 2001. But Europe is
lobbying to classify software that is downloaded from the
Internet as a service, which would be subject to some
tariffs. U.S. software companies, especially Microsoft, are 
fighting against that proposal. The WTO may announce a
short-term extension of the moratorium later this week. 

The Clinton Administration's emphasis on e-commerce enjoys 
bipartisan support in this country. "Republicans are
behind the President's effort to make free trade in
e-commerce a top priority for new trade talks," Rep.
David Dreier, R-Calif., said in a GOP radio address.
"America wins when government officials, from Buenos
Aires to Beijing, don't use taxes and regulation to block
business over the Internet."
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	- Joe
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 Joe Crawford { ArtLung } _________ mailto:joe@artlung.com
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