The last (scheduled) day of MC13 saw hectic consultations among smaller groups of Members in a range of different configurations. The facilitators are engaged in finding landing zones and coming up with agreeable texts. It will then be up to the entire WTO membership to decide the way forward on these.
On electronic commerce, there seems to be broad agreement on taking forward the mandate of the 1998 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (WT/L/274), but differences remain over the future of the moratorium on levying customs duties on electronic transmissions.
Both versions (one seeking to renew the moratorium, another to terminate it) remain on the table. Ideas around renewing the moratorium with some measure of fine-tuning for greater clarity on its coverage may also come up for further discussion.
Efforts for consensus building on the MC13 Declaration and the remaining elements of the Abu Dhabi package also remain underway.
In the past few hours, many new Statements by various countries, groups and negotiating coalitions have been submitted to the Ministerial Conference.
These include a Ministerial Declaration on the Contribution of the Multilateral Trading System to Tackle Environmental Challenges (WT/MIN(24)/28), and a Ministerial Statement by India marking its formal objection to any proposal to include the adoption of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement for consideration at MC13 (WT/MIN(24)/24), among others.
As expected, late on 29 February, the WTO announced that MC13 will be extended by one day to give Members more time to resolve outstanding issues. Negotiators will have a long night ahead of them. An informal Heads of Delegation Meeting on all issues will be held on Friday morning, with the formal closing pushed to later in the afternoon on Friday. Will the additional hours be enough to produce some outcomes or like in the past unsuccessful conferences like in Seattle and Cancun the talks shifts to Geneva?
Stay tuned for our last bulletin tomorrow (unless MC13 is further extended).
|
|
India urges re-evaluating the customs duties moratorium on e-commerce at the WTO, opposing its extension beyond March 31. Developing nations face annual losses of $10 billion, with India alone experiencing a $500 million loss.
The issue was discussed at the 13th Ministerial Conference, where India emphasised the need for policy options, including customs duties, to foster digital industrialisation and ensure economic development for developing countries in the evolving global e-commerce landscape dominated by developed countries.
|
|
The UAE has contributed to the LDCs Trust Fund, aiding travel expenses for government officials attending the Ministerial Conference.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala appreciates the contribution of fostering inclusivity in multilateral trade talks. On the other hand, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair, emphasised the importance of empowering least-developed countries for a more equitable global trade future.
|
|
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Crescent Enterprises held a roundtable at the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, exploring the role of strategic philanthropy in global trade. Emphasising inclusivity, the discussion highlighted philanthropy's potential to address challenges through innovative financing, boosting inclusivity, promoting sustainability, and engaging with the World Trade Organization.
Key speakers, including Juma Al Kait and Tushar Singhvi, stressed the need for philanthropic involvement in shaping international trade policies for a more equitable and sustainable future. The session, attended by global experts, aimed to identify actionable plans for integrating philanthropy into trade discussions.
|
|
In a recent WTO conference, India and Thailand clashed over rice exports. The Thai ambassador accused India of selling rice at unfairly low prices, allegedly subsidised by government aid meant for the poor. This highlights a longstanding dispute over agricultural trade rules that disadvantage developing nations, as richer countries exploit loopholes and exceed subsidy limits.
The issue revolves around WTO's classifications like Green Box, Blue Box, and Amber Box subsidies. Developing countries, including India, demand reforms to level the playing field, criticising outdated subsidy limits and the disparity in farmer support between developed and developing nations. The ongoing struggle reveals the persistent imbalance in global agricultural trade regulations.
|
|
Trade talks faced an extended deadline as ministers aimed to salvage a last-minute deal. Key issues included India's demand for a resolution on Public Stockholding, which it has been demanding since the Bali conference, December, 2013, and opposing an extension of the e-commerce moratorium. Of over 30 paragraphs in the draft declaration, 8-10 were agreed upon.
Challenges persisted in agriculture, e-commerce, remittances, and health worker movement. Fishing outcomes seemed difficult, with disputes over subsidies. India sought retention of rights for artisanal fisherfolk in its exclusive economic zone. The EU's interest in extending the e-commerce moratorium hinted at potential compromises. Divisions deepened on domestic support and tariffs, particularly regarding Public Stockholding.
|
|
|
|
|
