should facilitate e-commerce. The linkages with foreign companies will be strengthened through the digitalisation of B2B trade between Myanmar exporters and their foreign buyers. Many such buyers will already use EDI or have e-procurement systems of their own. The adoption of EDI and the use of such e-procurement systems as a means of selling produce in export markets will be promoted through this sub-strategy. Customs handling of individual parcels within consignments The ability of customs to handle individual parcels within consignments from couriers and other shippers needs to be addressed and guidelines published to support importers and exporters or ecommerce packages. These requirements will need to be considered and resolved under:  Sub-strategy 3.4.2: Improve the efficiency and transparency of customs, trade, and logistical services including by implementing relevant recommendations in the DTIS  Sub-strategy 3.4.3: Publish clear guidelines on trade and customs procedures/regulations, including on the ASEAN National Trade Repository  Sub-strategy 3.4.4: Conduct tariff rationalization, including to support the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA)  Sub-strategy 3.4.7: Simplify trade and customs regulations and procedures, with effective use of MACCS, to reduce regulatory discretion, and reduce cost/time for customs clearance in line with sub-regional, regional, and international commitments Non-tariff measures It will be important for the development of export-led e-commerce that non-tariff measures in other countries, and indeed in Myanmar, are reviewed and where possible brought into line with international standards so that there is no discrimination against Myanmar in international markets. Sub-strategy 3.4.9 is concerned to review Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) and reform as needed, while ensuring the protection of workers, social norms, the environment, and public health. This substrategy should therefore include potential non-tariff issues that will impact on e-commerce and reform as required. Improvement in quality standards for Myanmar’s products Improvement in quality standards for Myanmar’s products is an essential requirement for ecommerce. Quite apart from ensuring that products meet international safety and other standards, Myanmar’s products need to be of consistent quality. Thus, different examples of the same products need to be identical. Unless this consistency is achieved, e-commerce retailers will have high volumes of returns, will face competition from higher quality products from other countries, and will be unable to sell their products into other countries using e-commerce. Poor product consistency appears to be linked to the continued use of cash on delivery which means that product quality can be evaluated by the customer before payment, and inefficiency in delivery since delivery agents have to wait for the customer to evaluate the product and receive cash payment. The need for product consistency and adoption of international product standards will be included in the training associated with the city and regional e-commerce hubs. The need for the adoption of international standards and development of product consistency will need to be considered under Sub-strategy 3.4.12: Develop and implement National Quality Infrastructure Roadmap (both SPS and Non-SPS measures). This Roadmap is intended to meet both service provision and trade facilitation needs and is intended to ensure that Myanmar’s products meet required safety standards and enhance competitiveness in exporting agricultural and other products. Strategy 3.5 Increase broad-based access to financial services and strengthen the financial system overall Many of the sub-strategies support the development of a strong financial sector that will in turn increase confidence in and support the use of electronic payment services for e-commerce. The following two sub-strategies are particularly relevant to e-commerce nevertheless. 59