The 14th Ministerial Meeting (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is being held in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 to 29 March. India will participate strongly in this meeting with its trade priorities and will raise many important issues.
Emphasis on the interest of farmers and fishermen
According to the government, India’s main focus will be on protecting the livelihood of small farmers and fishermen. The country wants to ensure that there is no compromise with the interests of these sections amid global trade rules.
Food security will be a big issue
India will give priority to food security on this platform. Especially a permanent solution will be sought for public stockholding, so that the plans to provide food grains to the poor and needy people are not affected.
Policy freedom for developing countries
India will demand adequate policy space for developing countries, so that they can make policies according to their needs. This issue is considered important especially in new areas like digital trade.
Support for WTO reform
India will support reforms in WTO, so that the organization can be made more effective and balanced. Besides, emphasis will also be laid on reactivating the dispute settlement system.
Discussion on e-commerce and investment
The agenda of the meeting includes issues like e-commerce work program, moratorium, measures to ease investment and fisheries subsidy. There will be in-depth discussion on these among the member countries.
Emphasis on FTA and bilateral trade
The government said that India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are in line with WTO principles. India is also negotiating new trade agreements with many countries, which is giving a boost to bilateral trade.
demand for special discount
India will seek to give effect to special and differential treatment (S&DT) provisions for developing and less developed countries. With this, these countries will get better opportunities in global trade.
India’s strategy on the global stage
Through this meeting, India will advocate for a balanced and inclusive global trading system, in which the interests of developing countries are also given equal importance.