UNCTAD and the China Silk Road Group signed an agreement to deliver online dispute resolution to consumers in south-east Asia to improve international trade and electronic commerce. Under the agreement, the parties will jointly develop an online dispute resolution platform for cross-border e-commerce. China will share its expertise on blockchain, while UNCTAD will provide experience in consumer protection and technical assistance to developing countries. The aim is to reduce the difficulty of dispute arbitration and increase in effective protection of consumer rights.