India is all set to host a key World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting of developing nations on May 13 and 14, 2019, in New Delhi. The primary reason for convening this meeting is to bring together the developing countries and the least developed countries (LDCs) to openly discuss various issues that deeply impact the functions of the WTO.
Meeting Leading up to the Twelfth Ministerial Conference
This diplomatic event is planned as a precursor to the twelfth Ministerial Conference of the WTO, slated to take place in Kazakhstan in 2020. One of the broad agendas will include discussions surrounding the WTO’s appellate body, which has witnessed a sizeable decrease from its originally required strength of seven down to only three remaining members over the past two years. Currently, the appellate body consumes around a year to hear appeals despite the stipulated time to dispose of the appeals being only 90 days.
Issues Facing the Developing Countries
Another critical issue to be addressed during the meeting is the special and differential treatment of developing nations within the WTO structure. Some countries have expressed concern regarding this aspect. The increased instances of unilateral measures and counter-measures imposed by member countries have led to a deadlock in key areas of negotiations. This impasse in the WTO’s appellate body, in combination with these issues, has sparked a strong demand for the reformation of the organization.
Overview of the World Trade Organization
The WTO, the only global international organization that addresses rules of trade between nations, was established on January 1, 1995. It operates from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. All major decisions within the WTO are made by the member governments, either through ministers who usually meet at least once every two years, or via their ambassadors or delegates who meet regularly in Geneva.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Establishment | January 1, 1995 |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Member Governments | All major decisions made by them |
Special and Differential Treatment Provisions
The WTO Agreements contain special provisions that assign developing countries specific rights and allow developed nations the possibility to deal with developing countries more favorably than other WTO members. These special provisions include longer time periods for implementing agreements and commitments, measures designed to increase trading opportunities for developing countries, clauses requiring all WTO members to safeguard the trade interests of the developing countries, support to help developing countries build capacity to perform WTO work, handle disputes and implement technical standards, and stipulations related to least-developed country (LDC) members.
