• UGI USER
  • Feb 27, 2024
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13th WTO Ministerial Conference

News

  • The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) commenced on a positive note in Abu Dhabi, marked by the inclusion of Comoros and Timor Leste on the opening day, symbolizing the organization’s growth as it nears its 30th anniversary;
  • The conference brought forth crucial discussions on the future trajectory of the WTO, placing a significant emphasis on sustainable development and creating policy space for industrialization.

India’s Various Arguments

  • Multilateral Trading System:
    • India, a key participant in the conference, took a strong stance on preserving the integrity of the multilateral trading system and the country stressed the need to maintain focus on trade-related issues while cautioning against the amalgamation of non-trade topics with WTO rules;
    • India’s emphasis on avoiding fragmentation aimed at ensuring a cohesive and effective multilateral framework for international trade.
  • Flexibility in Existing WTO Agreements: It was the central theme of India’s advocacy and tailoring agreements to address developing countries’ concerns;
  • Navigating Development Challenges: Separating long-standing issues from emerging policies and Indis’s Commerce Secretary’s nuanced position on evolving needs;
  • Inclusive Approach through National Measures: India’s emphasised on inclusion for addressing developing economies’ needs through targeted measures;
  • Formulation of Trade Policies: India’s Perspective on Non-Trade Issues emphasizing the Need for Careful Consideration of diverse National Contexts in Trade Policy Formulation;
  • Empowering MSMEs and Women for Inclusion:
    • India’s commitment to inclusive trade;
    • Measures for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs);
    • Role of digital infrastructure in economic empowerment.

Timor-Leste

  • Geographical Overview of Timor-Leste:
    • Location in Southeast Asia;
    • Composition of Islands: Atauro, Jaco, and Oecusse;
    • Division of the Island of Timor with Indonesia
  • The Timor Sea Boundary: It divides the Timor – Leste form it’s southern neighbour Australia;
  • Historical Timeline:
    • Portuguese rule until 1975;
    • Indonesian overthrow and they got the UN-Sponsored Independence in 1999;
    • Sovereignty Achieved in 2002: The First State of the 21st Century.

Comoros

  • About: The Union of Comoros, a former French colony, comprises three islands: Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore.
  • Note – Comoros claims the fourth island, Mayotte, which is governed by France and in March 2011, Mayotte was formally admitted as a Department of France abroad;
  • Ethnicity & Language: Comoros is primarily a Muslim nation, with 98% of the population being Muslim, and 2% being Roman Catholic and Shikomoro is the most widely used language (Swahili dialect). Additionally, Arabic and French are widely spoken;
  • India – Comoros Diplomatic Relations: In June 1976, India and the Union of Comoros established diplomatic tiesand the perspectives of the two nations on regional and international issues are similar. Comoros is in favor of India having a permanent seat in the UNSC.

About WTO:

  • The WTO, established on January 1, 1995, under the Marrakesh Agreement, replaces GATT.
  • It’s a crucial intergovernmental organization within the United Nations System, regulating global trade rules.
  • Operating with 164 member states, it represents over 98% of global trade and GDP.
  • Governments collaborate to establish, revise, and enforce international trade regulations.

 

Source: Newsonair

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