Netherlands Ambassador speaks at the forum. Photo: Courtesy of Embassy of Netherlands in China

Ambassador Wim Geerts of the Netherlands to China participated in the Ambassador's Round Table: Cross-Cultural Communication and Global Economic and Trade Cooperation in the New Media Era, organized by the Center for China and Globalization. For both the economy and diplomacy, the COVID-19 has once again highlighted the importance of digital innovation. Despite restricted international mobility, people are able to continue to communicate, exchange ideas and trade continually to digital communication and ecommerce. "In an increasingly digital world where our dependence on digital services is growing, a well-balanced set of international rules for digital trade and e-commerce is crucial," Wim Geerts said. These rules can facilitate inclusive growth in global e-commerce, thus helping bridge the digital divide while ensuring a level playing field and addressing issues related to consumer protection and cybersecurity.