{"id":281564,"date":"2024-02-07T20:36:33","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T15:06:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=281564"},"modified":"2024-02-08T11:12:07","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T05:42:07","slug":"keep-msme-and-gender-issues-apart-from-wto-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/keep-msme-and-gender-issues-apart-from-wto-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep MSME and Gender Issues Apart from WTO Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Keep<\/p>\n

Source:<\/strong> This post has been created based on the article \u201cKeep MSME and gender issues apart from WTO rules\u201d<\/strong> published in \u201cLive Mint\u201d<\/strong> on 7th<\/sup> February 2024.<\/p>\n

UPSC Syllabus Topic: <\/strong>GS Paper 2 International Relations \u2013 Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.<\/p>\n

News:<\/strong> The article discusses the need to keep MSME and gender-related issues outside WTO rules. Keep MSME and Gender Issues Apart from WTO Rules<\/strong><\/p>\n

Background:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to be held his month will discuss how the WTO can become more relevant for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses run by women.<\/p>\n

Informal working groups on both MSMEs and gender were launched at the 11th ministerial in 2017.<\/p>\n

What has been India\u2019s Stand?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

India has stayed out of both groups because:<\/p>\n

1) Beyond WTO\u2019s Jurisdiction:<\/strong> These issues are not part of the WTO\u2019s mandate (non-trade nature of those two subjects).<\/p>\n

2) Distracts from Important Issues: <\/strong>WTO members should instead focus on unfinished matters that impact food security and trade in services and goods.<\/p>\n

Why is a Focus on MSME\u2019s and Gender Needed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to UNCTAD, international trade has only resulted in a \u201cworld of unchecked monopoly power, financial speculation, booms and busts, and rising inequality.\u201d<\/p>\n

International trade should ensure benefits for all sections of society within each trading country, not just large corporations.<\/p>\n

What has India Done in This Regard?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

India\u2019s 2023 Foreign Trade Policy had three features in this regard:<\/p>\n

(a) a district export action plan in each district of India to identify and incentivize products for export;<\/p>\n

(b) the promotion of e-commerce through \u2018Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras\u2019 to enable artisans, weavers, craftsmen and MSMEs in the hinterland and land-locked regions to reach international markets;<\/p>\n

(c) trade facilitation for MSMEs, including lower charges for various schemes, preferential customs treatment and quick dispute resolution.<\/p>\n

What have been Global Initiatives in This Regard?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1) Global Trade Helpdesk launched by ITC, UNCTAD and WTO<\/strong>\u2014 an online platform that simplifies market research\u2014is a useful resource for MSMEs.<\/p>\n

2) WTO\u2019s Technical Assistance Plan for 2018-19<\/strong> incorporated a module on trade and gender, whose objective was to focus on trade policy to raise awareness and enhance the aptitude of policymakers to incorporate gender considerations.<\/p>\n

3) G20 New Delhi Declaration<\/strong> focused on the need to address access to information for MSMEs, advancing financial inclusion and implementing gender-responsive policies to enable inclusive integration in international trade.<\/p>\n

What are The Challenges?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. One-size-fits all response may not work:<\/strong> The reason is: What is an MSME differs from country-to-country. Hence, preferential treatment for an MSME in India cannot be extended to an MSME as per the definition of another country seeking Indian market access.<\/li>\n
  2. Global rules may not work in a domestic setting:<\/strong> Addressing gender imbalances in access to economic opportunities, such as preferential access to credit, is an issue that needs to be addressed within a country. The global rules of trade have little role here.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/h2>\n

    Read More UPSC Topics-<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n