"Digital transformation can be seen in the economy, education, health, and business sectors. This changes our need for trade goods," Minister Lutfi stated during a G20 webinar titled "Digital Transformation in Trade" and accessed on Wednesday.
According to the minister, the development of online platforms had boosted the volume of shipments of goods worldwide, thereby indicating that information and communication technology had become the backbone of digital trade.
"The future of international trade will depend on how (well) a country can provide the necessary infrastructure and technology deployment," he added.
The minister stated that digital transformation allowed for opportunities and proffered benefits. However, new issues, risks, and disruptions continue to emerge concurrently.
Lutfi cautioned that global digital transformation around the world had currently grown increasingly fragmented. Technology and innovation development had been highly concentrated in countries, with better public digital infrastructure.
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"If left unchecked, the discrepancy between countries that have less access to digital access and countries (with advanced) digital (technology) would (grow bigger). Hence, collaboration is the key to ensure that no one is left behind and to build inclusive digitalization (that contributes to) transformation," Minister of Trade Lutfi stated.
As was observed in several countries, more than 65 million micro, small, and medium enterprises in Indonesia contributed some 61 percent to Indonesia's economy, he remarked.
Thus, it was natural that digital transformation in Indonesia was focused on the empowerment of MSMEs, so they could merge in the digital ecosystem. To pursue that goal, policy makers, the business sector, academia, and the private sector must work together.
"To attain sustainable development, we need to ensure that everyone has the best (access) to participate and benefit from the digital transformation of our economy," he opined.
Indonesia's G20 presidency served as a way to come to a consensus and support digital transformation that promotes inclusive trade and the Sustainable Development Goals.
"(As for this matter), I would like to suggest for all of us to start building trust and work together to discuss what (contribution) G20 can (give) in ensuring a fair, transparent, and equal playing field for digital transformation," the minister stated.
The webinar, which was hosted under the Trade Industry and Investment Working Group, discussed digital transformation, including data flow, digital infrastructure, regulation, and MSME participation.
"I expect that this year, we can provide tangible results to (address) the challenges of digital transformation. I look forward to our valuable input and recommendations to the G20 in creating inclusive digital transformation," he concluded.
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Translator: Sella P G, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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