New Zealand will take part in World Trade Organisation negotiations to create a set of rules governing online trading and data flows between borders.
Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker said that the talks among 76 countries will focus on developing globally consistent rules for e-commerce.
He said it was important robust personal privacy and consumer protections were put in place, while also making it easier for businesses and consumers to trade online.
Globally, e-commerce is growing rapidly with consumer spending online doubling in the last five years.