WTO 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13): Key Outcomes, Challenges

Source-This post on WTO 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13): Key Outcomes, Challenges has been created based on the article “Few gains at WTO” published in “Business Standard” on 3^rd February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic– GS Paper 2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News– The World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) recently concluded in Abu Dhabi. This article discusses the various outcomes of the conference and the challenges that remain unanswered. 13th WTO Ministerial Conference 

 What are some of the positive outcomes of the conference?

1. E-commerce tariff moratorium extended– WTO members agreed to extend the moratorium on e-commerce tariffs for two more years. India, Indonesia and South Africa had signaled their opposition to renewing the e-commerce moratorium, but supported it in the end. They are among countries worried about losing control of data flows.
2. Strengthen Multilateral Trading System– Members pledged to uphold and enhance the capacity of the multilateral trading system, with the WTO as its foundation, to address present trade challenges.

 Challenges remain unanswered

1. US Obstructionism in WTO– The appointment of new members to the Appellate Body (AB) has been unilaterally blocked by the US. The body was supposed to be reformed by 2024, but that deadline has been missed.
2. Fisheries subsidies– Developing countries like Brazil emphasized their commitment to discussions on fisheries subsidies, as the West attempted to ban such subsidies. They highlighted the importance of resolving the issue to advance sustainable fishing practices globally.
3. India’s Food security Challenge– India urged for a permanent solution to the public stockholding (PSH) issue for food security at the ministerial meeting. India stated that resolving the pending issue of PSH is crucial for achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of millions.

Read More UPSC Topics-

 Way forward

India, as a leader of the Global South, should form alliances with like-minded nations such as South Africa and small island states. Through this approach, India can offer alternative viewpoints and initiatives that better reflect the concerns and objectives of developing countries.

Question for Practice:

Discuss the outcomes and challenges arising from the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in Abu Dhabi.