INDEX
- WTO MC13: It's Time For India To Move Beyond Abu Dhabi And Should Engage In Interest-Based Negotiations By Pradeep S Mehta
- MC13 closing speech — Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
- Everyone Would Be Poorer Without The WTO. Biden Needs To Rescue It By the Editorial Board of The Washington Post
- FMG MC13 Interview 01: Trade and Geopolitics By FMG Geneva
- A Widening Gulf: India’s Trade Policy Needs A Fix By Sanjaya Baru
- India Objects To Agri Timelines In Draft Text For Permanent Solution By Kirtika Suneja
- The WTO Ministerial Conference Opens Amid Uncertainty About The Future Of The World Trading System By Alan Wm. Wolff
- National Interest Trumps Global Trade By Ajay Srivastava
- It’s Time for the United States to End its Bipartisan Attack on the WTO By Ian Allen
- WTO conference ends in division and stalemate – does the global trade body have a viable future? By Jane Kelsey
- WTO members reach agreement to extend e-commerce tariff exemption for 2 years By Chris Ugwu
- The WTO Ministerial Conference's Qualified Success in Abu Dhabi By Alan Wm. Wolff
- Is This The Beginning Of The End Of WTO? By Mohan Kumar
- MC13 collapse – Developing Countries Successfully Push Back Against Radical New WTO Expansion Agenda, But Outcome Fails Developing Countries As Well
- Rocky Road Ahead At WTO By Abhijit Das
- Fractures In Global Trade Deepen As WTO Musters Only A Small Win By Eric Martin, Shruti Srivastava and Jorge Valero
- We Balanced Domestic Interests With Our Trade Needs At The WTO By Arpita Mukherjee
- China’s Plan to Reshape World Trade By James Kynge and Keith Fray
- What’s on the Cards for MC13? Reform, E-Commerce, Fish Subsidies and more By Emily Pender
- WTO MC13: Abu Dhabi meet ends with no consensus on agri, fisheries By Shreya Nandi
- WTO MC13: G33 calls for permanent solution for food security By Kirtika Suneja
- MC13 Ends With Decisions On Dispute Reform, Development; Commitment To Continue Ongoing Talks
- Paving the Way for Trade Success: African Countries Gear Up for Key Trade Talks at WTO MC13
- ICC Responds to MC13
- How India's tough face at WTO Ministerial conference protected farmers, food security By Devesh Kumar
- Differences remain amid some headway at WTO ministerial conference By Shreya Nandi
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The WTO MC13 in Abu Dhabi, crucial for global trade, was saved from collapse by WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal. The issues of 'dirty subsidies' in Western agriculture and unresolved food stockholding in developing countries, including India, persist.
India's opposition to a plurilateral Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement raised concerns, while the dispute-settlement system's challenges were highlighted. India's bureaucratic rigidity in negotiations was criticised, urging a focus on interest-based talks to leverage geopolitical strengths for national development by 2047. (Paywall)
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In her closing remarks at MC13, WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude to the UAE for its hospitality. Despite challenges, the conference achieved milestones: discussions on trade's role in sustainable development, a decision to review Special and Differential Treatment provisions, progress on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, and agreements on services regulation and the Investment Facilitation for Development. Dr Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of addressing outstanding issues, emphasising the WTO's role in providing stability and resilience amid uncertainties.
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The World Trade Organization faces a crisis as the recent meeting in Abu Dhabi failed to address key issues like fishery subsidies and trade disputes. The US's disengagement and rising tensions with China threaten the WTO's relevance. With reform, the WTO risks irrelevance, potentially leading to a cohesive global trade system and economic losses. Maintaining a rules-based trading system is crucial for global economic stability.
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On 29th February, the FMG organised the inaugural session of its interview series "MC13 and Beyond." Xiankun Lu, CEO of FMG, discussed developments at the MC13, trade, and geopolitics with Cecilia Malmström, an FMG member and former member of the European Commission and the European Parliament.
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India's recent trade spat with Thailand reflects a shift from historical cooperation at the World Trade Organization. Despite India's claim as the fastest-growing economy, its foreign trade performance has lagged since 2014, raising concerns about competitiveness. While India's share of world exports soared in 1991-2011, it has declined under the Modi government. Protectionist policies, fear of Chinese competition, and a lack of proactive trade strategies contribute to the underwhelming trade performance. The Modi government's ministers, lacking trade expertise, face challenges in global negotiations, impacting India's position in major markets like the US, EU, and East Asia.
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India raised concerns over proposed timelines for a permanent solution in a draft agriculture text during the 13th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The revised text suggested two options: implementing a permanent solution at MC13 or increasing negotiations within the agriculture committee for a universal solution benefiting all developing countries' food security needs. Talks aim to address these issues amid the WTO conference's ongoing deliberations. (Paywall)
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The World Trade Organization's Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi welcomed new members Timor-Leste and Comoros. While their small contributions may not significantly impact global trade coverage, the conference faces critical issues such as fisheries subsidies, tariffs on e-commerce, food security, and dispute settlement reform. Success hinges on addressing these challenges, including the need for consensus on plurilateral agreements and resolving the dispute settlement process by year-end 2024. Ministers must commit to tangible progress on trade issues affecting the world.
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The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi ended with limited progress, signalling a shift in major economies like the United States towards prioritising national industrial strategies—discussions over five days covered e-commerce, services, agriculture, fisheries, investment, and dispute settlement. The outcomes and their implications for India reflect a reluctance to address key issues conflicting with national objectives. (Paywall)
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The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi ended with limited progress, signalling a shift in major economies like the United States towards prioritising national industrial strategies—discussions over five days covered e-commerce, services, agriculture, fisheries, investment, and dispute settlement. The outcomes and their implications for India reflect a reluctance to address key issues conflicting with national objectives. (Paywall)
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President Joe Biden, despite advocating for a rules-based international order, continues the Trump administration's blockade of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) dispute resolution system, jeopardising global trade. The Appellate Body, vital for resolving trade disputes, remains paralysed, allowing countries to escape decisions. The U.S. stance, claiming WTO overreach, risks isolating allies and undermines its leadership role. The recent WTO Ministerial Conference failed to address the Appellate Body blockade, hindering progress on crucial trade agreements. The Biden administration must abandon the blockade to restore faith in the WTO and safeguard international trade.
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The 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi concluded without resolving significant issues, casting doubt on the WTO's future. Disagreements among the 164 members, particularly on agriculture, fisheries, and e-commerce taxes, led to a lacklustre declaration. Power dynamics dominated, with accusations of restrictions on NGOs and influential nations determining outcomes. Critical issues, such as the dispute body and global fish stock protection, were sidelined. The conference highlighted power politics, failed negotiations, and the need for a transformative crisis to address the WTO's shortcomings. The next ministerial conference is scheduled for 2026 in Cameroon.
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WTO members secured a two-year extension exempting e-commerce from tariffs after intensive negotiations and India and South Africa's withdrawal of opposition. The renewal, a biennial practice, received widespread support. Challenges remain in addressing protectionism by major powers like the US and China. Pressure exists to classify transactions for customs duties by 2026. India's commerce minister dropped opposition, citing UAE's request. The moratorium's survival is crucial, but issues persist, including disagreements on agriculture and overfishing subsidies. The US disengagement hindered progress, highlighting challenges facing the WTO.
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The World Trade Organization's 13th ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi faced scepticism regarding leadership and functionality. Despite geopolitical divisions and global conflicts, the conference maintained a commitment to multilateralism and extended the ban on customs duties for e-commerce.
However, challenges persist, such as the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement's slow progress, lack of agreement on agricultural negotiations, and unresolved dispute settlement issues. Positive achievements included Timor Leste and Comoros joining, but concerns remain as the WTO tackles future agreements and the outlook for the 2026 ministerial conference.
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Another WTO Ministerial Conference concluded in Abu Dhabi with little to demonstrate. After all, the primary functions of the WTO, namely the negotiating function and the dispute settlement function, have been paralysed for some time. Efforts to revive both proved futile in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the significant divisions within the 166-member strong membership of this beleaguered organisation. (Paywall)
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The Abu Dhabi ministerial, marked by severe repression of civil society, has ended in paralysis without addressing global economic, climate, and food crises. Developing countries' urgent proposals for flexibility in WTO rules were ignored, perpetuating harm from neoliberal policies. Developed nations sought to further corporate interests, but the majority resisted, blaming developing countries for the deadlock. The WTO's history of privileging corporate profits persists, leaving poorer nations and workers worldwide bearing the brunt. The struggle continues in Geneva, with the Director-General prioritising non-mandated issues over developing countries' priorities.
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Following the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Conference of the WTO (MC 13), reflections on its outcomes suggest that the WTO, amid existing challenges, anticipates further difficulties. The event underscored the pivotal role of key players in shaping the institution's future as a multilateral platform for trade rule negotiations. The lessons drawn from MC 13 may influence the trajectory of the WTO, highlighting the need for strategic considerations in navigating future trade issues. (Paywall)
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The World Trade Organization (WTO) faced renewed criticism after its 13th ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi struggled to achieve consensus. The meeting, marked by disorder and confusion, only managed to extend a moratorium on tariffs for digital commerce. The contentious negotiations highlighted the challenges of achieving unity among the WTO's 166 member countries, with conflicting interests and power shifts evident. The failure to make progress on broader issues raised concerns about the WTO's effectiveness, and the looming spectre of protectionism amid global geopolitical tensions added further uncertainties to the trade-policy agenda.
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India's economic trajectory towards becoming the world's third-largest economy, boasting a predicted annual growth rate of over 6 percent demands attention in global trade discussions. Amidst complex negotiations at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, India adeptly balanced domestic interests, supported SME exports, and solidified its role in resilient global value chains, earning praise for contributing significantly to the final MC-13 Declaration. (Paywall)
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China is building an alternative trade architecture as tensions with the US and EU escalate, with a focus on the "global south" through its Belt and Road Initiative. The strategy involves a network of bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs), excluding the US and EU, creating a backup system if the WTO falters. China's FTAs, covering 40% of its exports, exceed those of major economies. While China aims to insulate itself from trade friction, challenges persist, and its exposure to risks remains amid rising tensions. (Paywall)
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The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is underway in Abu Dhabi. Key topics include WTO reform, e-commerce, fisheries subsidies, agriculture, development, the environment, investment facilitation, and intellectual property. Reforms aim to address the non-functional Appellate Body, while discussions cover issues like electronic transmissions, fisheries subsidies, agriculture subsidies, LDC graduation, environmental sustainability, investment facilitation, and COVID-19 vaccine licensing extension. The conference seeks consensus on vital trade-related matters affecting global economies.
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The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded without consensus on key issues, including subsidies causing overcapacity and overfishing, and public stockholding for food security, a priority for India. Despite extended talks, disagreements persisted. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted both achievements and incomplete tasks. Member nations agreed to maintain the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions. Progress in fisheries subsidies negotiations was acknowledged, and a two-tier dispute settlement system was discussed, aiming for full functionality by 2024.
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Over 50 nations, including India (G33 group), urged a resolution on public stockholding for food security at the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization. The joint proposal, backed by approximately 80 members, encompassed participants from the African Group and the ACP. The call reflects a collective effort to address crucial issues related to global trade dynamics, particularly concerning food security measures. (Paywall)
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The WTO's Ministerial Conference, attended by 4,000 delegates, extended its duration to address pressing issues. Members endorsed the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, pledging to uphold the multilateral trading system's efficacy. The declaration emphasised the WTO's role in achieving the UN 2030 Agenda and recognised women's economic empowerment. Dispute settlement reform progress was acknowledged, and a decision on special and differential treatment provisions for developing countries was adopted. Discussions on sustainable development, socioeconomic inclusion, and electronic commerce took place. The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement gained momentum, while challenges persisted in agricultural negotiations. The conference set the groundwork for future WTO achievements.
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Trade officials from various African nations convened in Kigali, Rwanda, for the Commonwealth African Regional Preparatory Workshop for the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). Addressing challenges such as agriculture, fisheries subsidies, and WTO reform, the two-day event fostered collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Rwandan government, WTO, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development. The workshop enabled African countries to share perspectives and formulate a unified agenda for MC13, promoting intra-Commonwealth trade and discussing critical issues like digital trade, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
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ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO expressed disappointment in the outcome of the WTO ministerial, attributing it to governments' failure to make necessary compromises for trade and welfare deals. He emphasized concern over the decision not to renew the WTO's moratorium on tariffs for cross-border data flows, citing potential economic risks. Denton urged recognition of the importance of keeping the internet tariff-free and called for a more constructive global debate on the role of trade in society.
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During the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Abu Dhabi, India, led by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, resisted pressure from developed nations seeking reduced domestic support in agriculture. The conference accepted the Abu Dhabi Declaration but failed to reach agreements on fisheries and agriculture. India defended its farmer-friendly policies, refusing demands for policy changes that would compromise its minimum support price (MSP) and public stockholding for food security. Developed nations expressed frustration, urging India to reconsider for the sake of free trade. The issues will be further discussed in upcoming WTO sessions and the 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.
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The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded without consensus on key issues, including subsidies, fisheries, and e-commerce. India prioritised a 'permanent solution' for public stockholding in agriculture, but no agreement was reached. The fisheries subsidies outcome lacked a document, posing threats to small-scale fishers. The moratorium on Customs duties for e-commerce was extended, disappointing India and limiting policy space. MC13 also saw plurilateral agreements and a commitment to establish a dispute settlement system by 2024. (Paywall)
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