The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is facing unprecedented challenges from the multilateral trade system. These challenges are emerging from the deadlock in appointing the appellate body judges and in other areas. Implementation of trade negotiations like ‘joint statement initiative’, is also not supported by many members.
Dr Taufiqur Rahman, Head, LDC Unit, Development Division, WTO, discussed the WTO current issues with CPD researchers on 1 August 2018, at CPD dialogue room. CPD researchers questioned about the future initiatives of the WTO while sharing their opinions.
The Doha Development Round is phasing out leaving many issues unresolved. Emerging dynamic sectors like E-Commerce needs special attention as it is affecting the global trade structure.
At the last two ministerial conferences, Dr Rahman said, LDCs have also failed to submit collective proposals on important issues like duty-free-quota-free market access and LDC Services Waiver. It is also important for WTO to increase transparency through necessary reforms, he emphasised.