UPU DDG lauds e-commerce’s ability to radically adapt postal economic models

E-commerce has radically altered habits, created new opportunities for Posts and encouraged them to adapt services and economic models, the Deputy Director General of the Universal Postal Union (the UPU) Pascal Clivaz said at a high-profile event held on 8 April.

“Posts offer a unique last-mile delivery network and support the inclusion of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by affording them the means of selling their products online, including for delivery to other countries,” added Mr Clivaz.  

 
Isabelle Durant, Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said that the evaluations have helped all actors, whether they be political decision-makers, civil society and the private sector, to above all, familiarize themselves with the issues of digital transformation and particularly e-commerce.

 
The UPU Deputy Director General and UNCTAD Acting Secretary-General were speaking at a virtual event to mark the launch of an evaluation of Côte D’Ivoire’s preparedness for e-commerce under the eTrade for All initiative. 

 
Mr. Clivaz told the virtual audience that UPU was busy developing projects and technical assistance tools designed to prepare Posts for e-commerce in the areas of operations, digital transformation and payment methods. “Our aim is to make a tangible and effective contribution for the benefit of Posts and our member countries through e-commerce,” said the UPU Deputy Director General.  
 
The evaluation report on Côte d’Ivoire shows that Post’s are central to the eTrade for All initiative, while highlighting the challenges faced by La Poste de Côte d’Ivoire. Mr. Clivaz said he was proud to say that some important actions had already been launched due to the incisive recommendations set out in the report. 

eTrade for all is an UNCTAD-led initiative which recognizes that E-commerce is a powerful driver of economic growth, inclusive trade and job-creation across the developing world. Although there are developing countries making advances in e-commerce, others have yet to catch up and seize the available opportunities. 

By forging cooperation among partners, including the UPU, the initiative aims to unlock the enormous potential of developing countries and encourage them to embrace the Internet’s ability to enhance economic development.

At the centre of these diverse activities is the eTrade for all platform.

Other speakers on the panel included Helena Leurent, Director General, Consumers International, Aissatou Diallo, Senior Coordinator of ZLECAF and PMA; Adriana Nunes, Consultant, GIZ,  Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Industry and Commerce and moderator, Cécile Barayre, Head of Capacity Reinforcement in E-Commerce (UNCTAD)