In a recent report to the Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC), Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and predictability in global trade amidst rising trade measures. She stated, "In today's climate of record trade policy uncertainty, safeguarding the stability and predictability the WTO provides has never been more urgent."
Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the growing calls for reform within the World Trade Organization (WTO), noting that leaders understand the stakes and urgency involved. "Clearly, we are far from where leaders and stakeholders expect us to be," she said.
The challenges facing the WTO were underscored by updates from various negotiating chairs. Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, Chair of fisheries subsidies negotiations, reported no progress in concluding negotiations on additional provisions to discipline subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing. He expressed skepticism about reaching consensus soon.
Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain of Pakistan, Chair of agriculture negotiations, also noted persistent divergences on substantive issues. He mentioned resistance to ideas such as securing a mini package at the upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) focusing on food security and development support.
Ambassador Kadra Hassan of Djibouti, Chair of trade and development negotiations, acknowledged incremental progress but stressed the need for identifying elements for possible outcomes as MC14 approaches.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Alfredo Suescum of Panama reported no new proposals in multilateral register negotiations for wines and spirits but noted industry interest in further dialogue.
In services negotiations, Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid of Nigeria recognized the growing importance of services in world trade but pointed out reservations among delegations regarding future work suggestions.
The next steps involve continued discussions across these negotiation areas with hopes for more clarity by September on potential outcomes at MC14.