Enabling cross-border data flows within BBINS (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) towards regional integration

ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF RESTRICTIONS ON CROSS-BORDER DATA FLOWS ❖ Data localization and barriers to data flows decreased total factor productivity (TFP) reducing GDP by 0.1 percent in Brazil, 0.55 percent in China, 0.48 percent in the EU and 0.58 percent in South Korea (Bauer et al. [...] Among the BBINS – Bangladesh falls within this category Source: Erik Van Der Marel INDIA’S PRIMARY LEGISLATION PROVIDING GUIDANCE ON CROSS- BORDER DATA FLOWS In the final law • No mention of Right to be Forgotten • No mention of Right to Data Portability • Removes classification of data into sensitive and critical personal for localisation • Expands exemptions – central government, start-ups, 9 AS. [...] However, currently, the 2020 version of this policy is in place which has no provisions related to health data localisation Digital Information Section 22: Proposed the creation of a National Electronic Health Authority that would have the Security in Healthcare Act, power to enact protocols for the exchange of digital healthcare data with other countries. [...] OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASING DIGITAL TRADE IN BBINS 12 CURRENT CHALLENGES Lack of harmonisation in laws and regulations Lack of political will Lack of economic opportunities Tariff and trade policy barriers Lack of infrastructure and logistics infrastructure No clear guidelines on cross –border transfer of data (especially related to health data) Differences in technology sophisticat. [...] RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTEGRATION OF E-COMMERCE Building an online channel for traditional exports that go through the physical route Enhancing digital trade A regional platform for promotion of e-commerce – consider leveraging the ONDC platform Digitalisation of customs, logistics to facilitate e- commerce and physical trade Digitalisation to enhance trade and cooperation Use data from e-commerce a.