Countries soften their position on issues such as food stockpiling

India hosted mini-ministerial meeting for two days in order to break WTO impasse. The mini-ministerial saw the participation of 53 countries and according to some media reports, other nations have softened their position on key issues such as food stockpiling.

“Members have committed to continue discussions on all issues, including on ones where we have not made any progress on the Doha Round,” WTO Director General Roberto Azevêdo said on Tuesday, hinting that the staunch refusal by other nations to cast out the agricultural discussions have changed, reports Business Standard.

According to the news reported by Business Standard, the government is also consulting domestic stakeholders and the private sector regarding crucial issues that are currently being pushed hard by rich nations such as the European Union, Japan, Canada, and South Korea, among others. This includes topics such as a proposed set of global rules for e-commerce as well as an agreement on investment facilitation.

Even on newer issues such as gender parity in trade and rules for micro, small and medium enterprises, a notable difference of opinion has been seen between the government and the private sector. “These discussions are required now to sensitize Indian industry on the government’s position as well as create a convergence of views on issues,” a senior trade expert from the Centre for WTO Studies said.

On Monday, in a closed door meeting with India Inc., Azevêdo pushed the commerce proposal as one requiring imminent discussion, a senior official from the Confederation of Indian Industry has said. The proposal has been marked by a significant tug-of-war between its proponents and India, which had submitted a formal document opposing any negotiations on the subject back in December 2017. India says this market is dominated by American majors who will benefit from the issues, but industry has been more welcoming of discussions, he added. Again, while India has pushed against the China backed agreement on trade facilitation, industry has made it clear that it has no issues with the proposal.

 

 

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