WTO adopts new work programme for least-developed countries
WTO News, 28 June, 2013
An updated work programme for least-developed countries (LDCs), adopted on 28 June 2013 by the WTO Sub-Committee on LDCs, mainstreams the United Nations’ Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs for 2011-20 into the WTO mandate. The programme also incorporates the streamlined accession process for LDCs adopted in 2012 and introduces periodic reviews of the work programme. More…
WTO warns G-20 trade restrictions
WTO News, 17 June, 2013
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his report on G-20 trade measures issued on 17 June 2013, said that “more than 100 trade-restrictive measures were implemented by G-20 economies over the past seven months, covering around 0.5% of G-20 merchandise imports”. He called on the G-20 to “take positive steps to unlock the potential for trade to grow stronger by ensuring a successful outcome at the next Ministerial Conference in Bali”. More…
The least developed get eight years more leeway on protecting intellectual property
WTO News, 11-12 June, 2013
WTO members agreed on 11 June 2013 to extend until 1 July 2021 the deadline for least developed countries to protect intellectual property under the WTO’s TRIPS agreement, with a further extension possible when the time comes. More…
WTO Members Agree On Draft Extension Of TRIPS Transition For LDCs
IP Watch, 07 June, 2013
World Trade Organization members today reached a draft decision on a request put forward by least-developed countries to extend the period during which they do not have to comply with international rules of intellectual property rights protection, according to sources. Under the terms of the hard-fought decision, LDCs can benefit from an extension of eight more years. More…
Members approaching last petrol station before Bali
WTO News, 03 June, 2013
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy, on 3 June 2013, told the Trade Negotations Committee: “We have about 40 working days left before the end of July, which I see as the last petrol station before the Bali highway. We must make substantive advances in this period if we are to have any chance of successfully delivering in Bali and preparing a post Bali roadmap. More…