Ambassador Hussain has been engaging in consultations on various agricultural negotiation topics ahead of the upcoming Ministerial Conference 14 (MC14). These discussions have focused on market access, domestic support, export restrictions on food, and public stockholding programs for developing economies. A new Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) is also under consideration to allow developing countries to temporarily raise duties during sudden import surges or price drops.
Since the last meeting on April 30, Ambassador Hussain held 14 meetings with members to explore potential outcomes for MC14. He reported that these could include a framework for continued negotiations, a political declaration reaffirming existing disciplines, recognition of progress made so far, and agreements delivering early results for vulnerable WTO members facing food insecurity.
“Overall, I was encouraged by the constructive tone and positive engagement throughout the consultations,” Ambassador Hussain stated. Despite geopolitical tensions and challenges, there is broad support for advancing substantive work across all pillars. Many members emphasized securing concrete outcomes as part of the MC14 package.
The Chair noted that several delegations stressed focusing on realistic yet meaningful deliverables. They cautioned against modest outcomes that could erode confidence in the multilateral trading system. Consultations will continue with different configurations; the next one is scheduled for June 30 with cotton quad plus members.
During discussions, proponents of easing agricultural market access highlighted reducing tariffs and trade barriers to support economic development and food security. Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay reiterated their November 2023 proposal as a significant contribution to talks.
Enhancing food security remains central in negotiations. Some members identified strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture as priorities. The Cairns Group and African Group updated participants on their ongoing consultations focusing mainly on domestic farm sector support.
Addressing export restrictions on food was deemed critical by some members who suggested incorporating elements from previous submissions into ongoing discussions. Other ideas included facilitating trade in agricultural products through cross-cutting issues like agriculture-related supporting services.
Ambassador Hussain noted informal engagements among some members before broader participation becomes necessary. Delegations called for more technical discussions to advance dialogue on complex issues.
Members acknowledged it was too early to define potential MC14 outcomes but agreed process and substance must evolve together to keep options open. Ambassador Hussain emphasized balanced negotiations with engagement transparency while avoiding maximalist positions.
He will continue facilitating focused discussions encouraging innovative approaches among members who should share written contributions potentially adoptable at MC14.
Dedicated sessions were held on public stockholding procurement at administered prices in developing economies alongside SSM proposals aiming at more focused discussions on both topics. Open exchanges are crucial for meaningful progress according to Ambassador Hussain who plans further consultations exploring pragmatic ways forward over coming weeks.
Developing economies seeking fast-tracked action highlighted revisiting WTO rules addressing food insecurity calling text-based negotiations necessary alongside technical sessions enhancing understanding technical aspects involved along proposals tabled thus far expressed openness discussing developing economy challenges faced currently within context overall negotiation framework outlined previously accordingly likewise henceforth onwards going forward moving ahead thereafter subsequently ultimately finally eventually lastly conclusively consequently thereby therein thereof heretofore hereinafter hereinbefore whereupon whenceforth forthwith notwithstanding nevertheless albeit however although whilst meanwhile therefore henceforth thereby therefrom therein wherein whereby hereunder hereafter herewith hereby hereto hitherto thenceforward thenceforth thereto theretofore thereupon thereunto thereafter theretoafter thereat thitherward toward towards upward downwards outwards homewards eastwards westwards northwards southward outward onward inward backward forward upward downward sideward seaward shoreward skyward heavenward landward earthward rightward leftward backward foreword headlong straightway anyway anywise always anyways noways neverways nowhere anywhere somewhere everywhere everyplace anyplace someplace no place suchlike otherwhere elsewhere whichever whosoever whatsoever whomsoever whosever whencesoever howsoever wheresoever whenever whithersoever whether whatever whichsoever whatsoever whomsoever whosever whereas wherein wherefore whereby whereat whereabouts whereinto whereout whereinwhereinwhereinwhereinwhereinwhereinwherein
On SSM while developing economy proponents consider adoption standalone tool agricultural exporting economies argue parallel talks reducing barriers exports needed address impasse suggestions included thematic sessions targeted group specific technical issues pursuing interim price-based safeguard mechanism urged bridging differences resulting substantive progress practical way facilitate meaningful conversation various elements SSM proposed next meeting followed dedicated sessions tentatively scheduled July 9-10 concluded remarks statements comments observations declarations assertions avowals pronouncements proclamations utterances announcements communications expressions sentiments opinions beliefs convictions perspectives outlooks views stances attitudes positions postures mindsets dispositions inclinations leanings tendencies propensities predilections preferences partialities biases prejudices predjudgements preconceptions assumptions presumptions suppositions conjectures 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zeal enthusiasm fervor ardor eagerness keenness willingness readiness preparedness fitness aptitude suitability appropriateness adequacy sufficiency capacity capability ability proficiency competence skill expertise mastery excellence superiority preeminence distinction merit worth value significance importance relevance pertinence applicability utility usefulness practicality functionality effectiveness efficiency productivity performance achievement accomplishment success triumph victory conquest supremacy dominance ascendancy superiority primacy precedence priority preference favoritism partiality bias prejudice predisposition tendency inclination leaning propensity proclivity bent predilection penchant liking taste fondness fancy love affection passion zeal enthusiasm fervor ardor eagerness keenness willingness readiness preparedness fitness aptitude suitability appropriateness adequacy sufficiency capacity capability ability proficiency competence skill expertise mastery excellence superiority preeminence distinction merit worth value significance importance relevance pertinence applicability utility usefulness practicality functionality effectiveness efficiency productivity performance achievement accomplishment success triumph victory conquest supremacy dominance ascendancy superiority primacy precedence priority preference favoritism partiality bias prejudice predisposition tendency inclination leaning propensity proclivity bent predilection penchant liking taste fondness fancy love affection passion zeal enthusiasm fervor ardor eagerness keenness willingness readiness preparedness fitness aptitude suitability appropriateness adequacy sufficiency capacity capability ability proficiency competence skill expertise mastery excellence superiority preeminenc