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WTO reports significant increase in accession activity in annual report
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
Ambassador Eldiyor Toshmatov of Uzbekistan, along with other dignitaries, recently participated in an exchange with the Informal Group of Acceding Governments (IGAG). This marked the second interaction with the group since November 2021. The event followed MC13, where the accessions of Comoros and Timor-Leste were significant outcomes for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Membership.
DG Okonjo-Iweala addresses largest gathering of acceding governments at IGAG meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
The Informal Group of Acceding Governments (IGAG) recently held a meeting, chaired by Ambassador Eldiyor Toshmatov of Uzbekistan and attended by the Director-General (DG) Okonjo-Iweala. This marked the second time DG Okonjo-Iweala has addressed the IGAG, following her initial meeting in November 2021. The participants included representatives from Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Comoros, Curaçao, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia, South Sudan, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This assembly represented the...
WTO Workshop Reviews Technology Transfer Incentives under TRIPS Agreement
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
A workshop held by the World Trade Organization (WTO) recently allowed participants to assess the incentives for technology transfer under the TRIPS Agreement, focusing on the challenges and experiences of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in utilizing technological advancements for economic development.During the workshop, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill highlighted the significant efforts made by developed members in submitting 318 reports since 2003, detailing actions related to technology transfer in accordance with Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement....
High-level dialogue marks 30 years of TRIPS Agreement
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
The 30th anniversary of the TRIPS Agreement was commemorated with a high-level dialogue that brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the past, present, and future of international intellectual property (IP) rights. The event featured insightful remarks from prominent figures in the field.Director-General Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the enduring relevance of the TRIPS Agreement in promoting social and economic welfare through a balanced approach to intellectual property rights. She highlighted the pivotal role of the Agreement during the HIV/AIDS crisis, where access...
E-commerce negotiators finalize “technical discussions” and outline next steps
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
E-commerce negotiators have completed their "technical discussions" and are now outlining the next steps towards concluding the negotiations. Ambassador James Baxter of Australia expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating, "I think it's safe to say that as a group, we achieved our objective for the week of resolving all the technical issues required to move this negotiation to the final decision-making phase."Ambassador Hung Seng Tan of Singapore emphasized the significance of the negotiations, highlighting, "Members have participated actively, contributed...
Energy Transition Takes Center Stage at WTO Environment Committee Meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
At a recent thematic session of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), discussions centered around the topic of energy transition and its impact on climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. According to the report given by the United States and Kenya, who co-facilitated the session, participants gained valuable insights from experts during panels that explored various aspects of clean energy and trade-related climate measures."The first panel explored the trade landscape of rapidly evolving areas of clean energy, including hydrogen and wind energy," noted the...
Members Review Anti-Dumping Actions and Regulations at First Biannual Meeting of 2024
By Globe Banner | Apr 24, 2024
Members of the Committee gathered for their first biannual meeting of 2024 to review anti-dumping actions and regulations. The Chair of the Committee, Mrs Ayşegül Şahinoğlu Yerdeş (Türkiye), presided over the discussions.During the meeting, the Committee reviewed notifications of legislation from various countries. The Chair urged members to promptly submit reports of actions and welcomed the extensive use of the anti-dumping portal for submissions.Questions were raised by several delegations regarding actions contained in the semi-annual reports submitted by multiple...
South Africa Challenges EU Citrus Fruit Measures in WTO Dispute
By Globe Banner | Apr 24, 2024
South Africa has initiated a second dispute complaint against the European Union concerning its measures on citrus fruit imports. The issue at hand involves the EU's ban on importing South African citrus fruit affected by the fungus known as "citrus black spot."According to South Africa, the EU's import prohibition on citrus fruit impacted by citrus black spot may be in violation of the WTO's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. This marks the second time South Africa has raised concerns about the EU's import regulations on citrus fruit.The first dispute,...
Trade Growth and Poverty Reduction Over 30 Years
By Globe Banner | Apr 24, 2024
---Global trade has experienced significant growth over the past three decades, resulting in positive impacts on poverty reduction and economic development. According to experts Barbara D’Andrea, Christophe Degain, Florian Eberth, Stela Rubínová, Monia Snoussi-Mimouni, and Ankai Xu, the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization in 1994 marked the beginning of a transformative period in global trade.The World Trade Organization, established as the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, has played a crucial role in...
Transparency concerns highlighted at SCM Committee meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
Transparency concerns were at the center of discussions during a recent meeting of the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Committee. The Chair emphasized the importance of timely notifications from members, stating, "all members benefit from the collective effort of timely and complete notifications." Eight other members echoed these concerns and calls.The Chair also praised the WTO Secretariat's support and a successful technical assistance project aimed at improving the notification process. He noted that the project led to 11 out of 23 developing and least...
WTO members review safeguard actions during latest biannual committee meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 22, 2024
WTO members gathered for their latest biannual committee meeting to review safeguard actions, with a particular focus on legislative notifications and specific safeguard actions taken by various countries. Japan and Australia raised concerns over the recent increase in safeguard initiations and impositions, labeling them as inappropriate use of the instrument.During the meeting, notifications of new or amended national safeguard legislation or regulations from several countries were reviewed. Additionally, specific safeguard actions taken by countries such as Indonesia,...
Trade Policy Review: Morocco
By Globe Banner | Apr 22, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) conducted a Trade Policy Review of Morocco, with the discussions focusing on various reports and documents. The Secretariat report, prepared independently by the WTO Secretariat, provided a detailed analysis of Morocco's trade policies. In addition, the Government report, which presented a policy statement from the Moroccan government, was also a key document in the review process.According to the WTO's procedures, the Secretariat and Government reports were thoroughly examined and deliberated upon by the WTO's full membership in the...
WTO releases report on Chinese duties affecting Australian wine
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report concerning the duties imposed by China on Australian wine. On March 29, both parties informed the WTO that they had arrived at a mutually agreed solution to address the issues raised in this dispute.
Working Party reviews state trading enterprise notifications amid calls for transparency
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
The Working Party recently reviewed new notifications on state trading enterprises from eleven members, including Albania, Australia, Iceland, Macao (China), Montenegro, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Seychelles, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, and Uruguay. Additionally, delegations raised further questions regarding previous notifications from China, India, Mauritius, and the Philippines.
Training highlights link between trade policies and gender equality
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
The recent training course aimed at enhancing skills and sharing experiences among officials focused on the interplay between trade and gender equality. Participants gained insights into how trade impacts men and women differently, as well as how gender-responsive trade policies can promote women's economic growth and poverty reduction.
WTO-FIFA initiative aims to boost African cotton industries
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) have taken significant steps to advance the "Partenariat pour le Coton," an initiative unveiled on February 25 by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This initiative is designed to enhance the partnership between the two organizations and support African countries in participating more fully in cotton value chains. The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the WTO and FIFA in 2022.
WTO explores digital solutions for enhancing global trade efficiency
By Globe Banner | Apr 17, 2024
WTO members recently convened to discuss how digitalization can be leveraged to facilitate trade. The meeting focused on three main areas: using data and technology to simplify trade, promoting the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) through digital advancements, and the digitalization of border procedures. Ten delegations, including China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Japan, Pakistan, Peru, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Togo shared their experiences.
Committee finalizes recommendations for food security program targeting vulnerable countries
By Globe Banner | Apr 17, 2024
The Committee has successfully implemented the instructions from ministers at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) by adopting recommendations to address food security needs for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries (NFIDCs). The Chair emphasized that this marks a significant achievement.
WTO begins training course for officials from least developed countries
By Globe Banner | Apr 16, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has commenced an introductory course aimed at government officials from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Geneva. The course is designed to enhance participants' understanding of the functioning, structure, and fundamental principles of the multilateral trading system. It focuses on specific WTO agreements and provisions related to LDCs, as well as the connection between WTO activities and trade policy issues specific to these countries.
Chair calls for fresh thinking after inconclusive agriculture talks at MC13
By Globe Banner | Apr 16, 2024
WTO members expressed disappointment at the lack of a conclusive outcome from agriculture negotiations during MC13. However, progress was acknowledged by the Chair, who emphasized that discarding past efforts would not be beneficial.