INDEX
- DG Okonjo-Iweala lauds MC13 work, urges members to swiftly complete unfinished business
- WTO Concludes MC13 with 10 Consensus Decisions
- Commerce Ministry to brainstorm on WTO strategy post-MC13
- Sword Of Consensus: How India Is Fighting World's Rich To Protect Its Farmers
- Chinese Commerce Minister: Confidence, patience required in WTO work
- WTO is now just a tool to bully weaker nations
- WTO: India's path diverging from S Africa's, its parting of ways with China
- WTO Ministerial Conference: ITUC demands labour rights in trade policy
- WTO extends e-commerce customs duty moratorium despite opposition from developing countries
- To save the WTO system, India must pick its fights
- 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO: Multiple narratives need not perplex us
- Chair briefs members on consultations regarding post-MC13 dispute settlement reform work
- WTO 13th Ministerial: Brief Outcomes in Brief
- World Trade Organization Agriculture Negotiations at MC13: What does the lack of outcomes mean for least developed countries and other vulnerable economies?
- Monthly TFG & ICC DSI Column
- WTO talks end with no major win, throwing trade body into 'crisis'
- From Abu Dhabi to Islamabad: Translating MC13 outcomes for Pakistan’s trade agenda
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DG Okonjo-Iweala praised MC13's achievements despite challenges, citing 10 consensus decisions. Notable wins include WTO membership approval for Comoros and Timor-Leste, trade development strides, and progress on fisheries subsidies. She stressed the importance of dispute settlement and maintaining the e-commerce moratorium. Encouraging agricultural and fisheries talks, she urged early action and a positive, win-win approach for global benefit. MC13 hosts and outgoing chairperson echoed this sentiment, urging continued momentum and reform discussions.
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Despite significant challenges, DG Okonjo-Iweala praised MC13's outcomes, including 10 consensus Ministerial Decisions. She highlighted progress on trade and development, WTO dispute settlement, and the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Emphasising the need for urgency, she urged continued engagement to complete pending tasks. Okonjo-Iweala urged a positive approach, noting the importance of multilateral negotiations and avoiding a lose-lose stance. Ambassadors echoed the call for sustained momentum and consultations on various matters.
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The Commerce Ministry will internally brainstorm handling post-13th WTO Ministerial Conference issues, focusing on initiatives like investment facilitation, MSMEs, gender, and e-commerce. Tough negotiations continue for MC14, with India resisting pressure to include Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs) in the formal WTO framework.
India maintains opposition to JSIs and seeks permanent solutions for public stockholding in agriculture while safeguarding fisheries subsidies for small-scale fishers.
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Rajesh Kumar Raghav, a hardworking farmer from Bihar, symbolises India's struggle for agricultural sovereignty at the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference. India defended its subsidies for farmers and fishermen against developed nations, safeguarding food security. The clash highlights the tension between the consensus system and voting, with India advocating for consensus to protect its interests. The victory underscores the importance of unity among developing nations in WTO negotiations.
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Wang Wentao, China's Minister of Commerce, highlighted the importance of confidence and patience in World Trade Organization (WTO) work during a press conference at the 14th National People's Congress. He praised the outcomes of the 13th Ministerial Conference, particularly the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, calling it a win for multilateralism. China played a significant role in its discussions, with 127 members joining.
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The 13th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi focuses on crucial issues for less-developed countries, notably India. Discussions include extending a moratorium on digital service taxes and resolving public stockholding of food legality. Dysfunctional due to US actions, the WTO struggles with its dispute settlement mechanism. Less-developed nations seek fairer trade terms, but the WTO favours developed economies, rendering it obsolete. (Paywall)
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The World Trade Organization's MC13 in Abu Dhabi ended without significant outcomes despite extended talks. European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis expressed frustration on the X platform, blaming a few countries for blocking agreements on key issues like fisheries subsidies and agriculture. India, traditionally an advocate for developing nations, found itself at odds with South Africa and distanced from China's agenda, while the US's disengagement further weakened the WTO's leadership. (Paywall)
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During the WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the ITUC urged for a trade framework that prioritises workers' rights and social justice. General Secretary Luc Triangle highlighted the historical neglect of labour rights in trade policies. Discussions involved key figures like US trade representative Katherine Tai, focusing on integrating labour standards into trade policies. Despite this, the conference ended with few tangible results amid free speech concerns.
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At the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, member nations agreed to extend the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions until the 14th Ministerial Conference in March 2026. India, South Africa, and Indonesia expressed concerns over revenue loss and digital development challenges. Experts caution against imposing tariffs, especially amid efforts to boost Digital India and semiconductor design.
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The WTO Ministerial Conference at Abu Dhabi (MC13) saw the United States oppose restoring the Appellate Body, disappointing hopes for agreements on fishery subsidies and public stockholding for food security. India criticised developed countries' stance on these issues. Old agricultural rules, not reflecting current realities, led to disagreement. Proposals for open agreements and reinforcing WTO functions were rejected, revealing trust deficits among members. India must reassess its stance on certain issues for future progress. (Paywall)
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The Rashomon Effect, seen in differing accounts of the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC-13), highlights India's stance amid shifting global economic alliances. Despite engagements like the India-EFTA deal, partnerships can't replace the WTO's 29-year role. MC-13 addressed contentious issues like e-commerce, TRIPS, agriculture, fisheries, and dispute settlement. Challenges persist, including the US's role and joint initiatives' impact, shaping India's trade strategy ahead. (Paywall)
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On 19th March, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, as Chair of the Dispute Settlement Body, updated WTO members on recent consultations regarding the 13th Ministerial Conference decision on dispute settlement reform. Additionally, discussions included the appointment of a facilitator for the reform process. The DSB also approved a compliance panel report concerning a dispute between the EU and the US over US-imposed duties on Spanish olives.
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Expectations were low for the WTO 13th Ministerial Conference amidst trade tensions. The US showed reluctance to resolve impasses, while India sought confrontation. With elections looming, flexibility was scarce. The outcomes disappointed but were expected by close observers. Casual observers may see the WTO fade into obscurity.
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The World Trade Organization's (WTO) agriculture negotiations aim to foster sustainable food systems. Progress has been limited, with disputes over issues like public stockholding and domestic support. Developing countries seek expanded provisions, while major players advocate for broader reforms. Challenges persist, including trade-distorting subsidies and food insecurity. There's a need to update WTO rules to address modern issues like climate change and ensure fair trade practices while promoting sustainability.
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At the recent WTO ministerial meeting (MC-13), official outcomes disappointed digital trade supporters, contrasting the unanimous push for digitalisation in unofficial events. Globally, efforts towards digital trade are evident, with regions like ASEAN and the Commonwealth prioritising it. Nationally, the UK's Electronic Trade Documents Act, France's similar bill, and Australia's legal reforms reflect commitment. The emphasis now shifts to standardisation to enhance connectivity and drive adoption, marking a potential turning point in digital trade advancement.
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The WTO's 13th ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi saw a temporary e-commerce moratorium extension but no agreements on agriculture and fisheries, revealing deep divisions among its 164 members. Despite efforts, key texts couldn't be agreed upon. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted global uncertainty. Talks hoped to replicate 2022's success but fell short. Dispute settlement system restoration progress was slow. Agriculture and fisheries agreements faced strong opposition.
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The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi underscored the vital role of women in trade and addressed persistent challenges in global trade governance. Despite progress, issues like e-commerce regulation and agricultural subsidies persist, affecting countries like Pakistan. The Global South's limited agenda-setting abilities highlight the need for proactive engagement. Local institutions and partnerships, bolstered by donor support, can enhance Pakistan's participation and advocate for fairer trade policies.
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