The 13th WTO Conference
The 13th WTO Conference
The 13th
Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
commenced on February 27th, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Over four
days, the event gathers ministers from the WTO’s 164 members to advance
discussions on critical issues affecting global trade.
Update Report and Ongoing Accessions
Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba, Chair of the WTO General
Council, presented a progress report since the previous ministerial conference
in 2021. This encompasses commitments to improve trade monitoring procedures
and dialogues on reducing fisheries subsidies and e-commerce barriers.
Lesiba highlighted that the accession processes for Comoros
and Timor-Leste are nearing completion, potentially expanding WTO
membership to 166 countries.
Preliminary Ministerial Declaration
The host nation, the UAE, circulated a preliminary
ministerial declaration for further input before finalization. The declaration
addresses WTO reforms, sustainability objectives, gender inclusivity, growth of
micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), digital transformation, and
responses to supply chain disruptions.
Dedicated sessions during the conference aim to build
consensus around the declaration.
Key Negotiation Areas:
E-Commerce Work Program
While e-commerce negotiations cover various aspects,
consensus remains elusive on the draft decision for adoption at MC13. India
advocates for a moratorium on cross-border duties.
Fisheries Subsidies
Curbing specific types of fishing subsidies to prevent
overexploitation of marine resources remains a longstanding discussion point.
TRIPS Waiver for COVID Vaccines
There is no consensus yet on the TRIPS waiver proposal by
India and South Africa to enable expanded production of COVID-19 vaccines and
treatments in developing nations.
Public Stockholding Programs
Allowing developing nations to procure food grains for
buffer stocks and subsidized distribution without restrictions is a contentious
issue lacking agreement among members.
India’s Stance and Concerns
Led by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal,
the Indian delegation will oppose a China-led proposal for an investment
facilitation pact. India emphasizes finding a permanent solution to public
stockholding of grains for food security at the WTO ministerial meeting.
India approaches trade negotiations cautiously, recognizing the long-term economic impacts of FTAs. India questions attempts to introduce non-trade issues into the WTO ambit lacking multilateral agreements.
Concerning sustainability, India raises objections to the
EU’s proposed carbon border tax measures, preferring resolution under the WTO
rulebook before bilateral exploration.
With semiconductor industry bodies urging India to halt
plans for cross-border digital trade duties, e-commerce negotiations at MC13
gain significant importance.
On fisheries, India seeks a moratorium on subsidies by developed members like the USA and EU, which contribute to overfishing and harm local communities
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