Fresh from taking over as Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Harsh Pati Singhania said developing globally interoperable standards for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital trade will be among his foremost priorities. Singhania discusses the need for common AI governance frameworks, India’s growing role in shaping global trade rules, the interests of the Global South, and the ICC’s agenda to make international trade more inclusive and efficient. Edited Excerpts:
What will be the top priorities for the International Chamber of Commerce as you take on responsibility as the chair?
The world is moving into a new era where AI and data are becoming the key drivers of trade. In many ways, they are the new raw materials of global commerce. My foremost priority is to ensure that the international rules governing AI, data flows and digital trade evolve alongside technology.The ICC has historically helped create voluntary global standards that businesses across countries adopt. Whether it is `Incoterms’ governing trade contracts or rules for documentary credits, ICC’s role has always been to create harmonised frameworks that facilitate commerce. Today, the same approach is needed for AI governance.Alongside AI, accelerating digitalisation of trade, expanding access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strengthening climate-related trade frameworks and improving access to trade finance will remain major priorities.
