Image:OMC.
Global Trade Governance
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has urged member countries to simultaneously advance institutional reform and trade negotiations. During the General Council meeting, progress on fisheries subsidies, agriculture, and services was reviewed.
At the recent meeting of the General Council of the World Trade Organization (OMC) held on July 14 and 15, the Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-IwealaShe stressed the need to move forward simultaneously with the reform of the organization and with key trade negotiations, dismissing the notion that they are "conflicting priorities." Acting in her capacity as President of the Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC), Okonjo-Iweala He advocated a two-way approach to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system.
“Reform is not an end in itself,” the Director-General stated. “It is the means by which this organization can better respond to current challenges and deliver meaningful results for members and for the people and businesses that depend on the multilateral trading system.” In this regard, she warned that a OMC A reformed system that fails to deliver substantive results "would not meet expectations," while negotiated outcomes without a solid institutional foundation "would not be successful." duraderosTherefore, he urged everyone to "pursue both paths simultaneously."
Progress in key negotiations: Fisheries, Agriculture and Services
In reporting on the state of the negotiations, Okonjo-Iweala He highlighted the positive feedback on the first phase of the post-CM14 negotiations on fishing subsidies, chaired by the Ambassador Leslie Ramsammy de GuyanaThe recent acceptance of Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) by the República Kirguisa, Níger y Tailandia, raising the total number of acceptances to 122 members.
In the field of farmingThe situation is less optimistic. The negotiators' meeting on July 9, the first since the 14th meeting in YaundéThis highlighted the lack of progress. While members agree that agriculture is a central pillar of the OMCDifferences persist on how to proceed: several developing economies advocate maintaining existing mandates, while others insist on the need to address all issues in a comprehensive and balanced way.
Regarding special and differentiated treatmentThe Director-General reported that the G-90 group of developing and least developed countries (LDCs) will update pending proposals on specific agreements, with discussions resuming after the summer recess. OMC. Regarding the servicesThere is interest in evaluating trade in different sectors, as mandated by Article XIX of General Agreement on Trade in ServicesHowever, greater consensus on the evaluation agenda is needed.
| Ambit | Relevant Decision or Milestone | Main characters/Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) | New acceptances of the agreement. | República Kirguisa, Níger, Tailandia (Total: 122 members). |
| Intellectual Property (TRIPS) | Future discussions on implementation are referred to the TRIPS Council. | Proposal from the WFP Group. |
| Tariff Exemptions | Exemptions approved to allow duty-free treatment for products from beneficiary countries. | Estados Unidos (AGOA and CBERA). Valid until 31/12/2026. |
Decisions of the General Council: Intellectual Property and Exemptions for the USA
The General Council, chaired by the Ambassador Clare Kelly de Nueva Zelanda, adopted several key decisions. In response to proposals from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group, it was agreed that any future discussions on improving the implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (ADPIC) will take place in the TRIPS Council.
Furthermore, the Council welcomed the launch of the third phase of the Improved Integrated Framework, confirming that it will not entail any cost to the ordinary budget of the OMCFinally, the proposals were approved. Estados Unidos to grant exemptions that allow it to offer tariff-free treatment to products from beneficiary countries within the framework of the Growth and Opportunity Act for Africa (AGOA) and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), both valid until December 31, 2026.
Any questions about this news?
Talk to Coexia, the AI of the foreign trade
International business service providers
Barcelona Free Trade Zone
Public entity for economic revitalization, operates as an engine of industrial development in the Barcelona area.read more...
VUI - One-Stop Shop
The One-Stop Shop for Internationalization (VUI) is a space for information and advice.read more...
Asturex
Asturex, Foreign Promotion Company of the Principality of Asturias, SA is a capital company.read more...
PROEXCA
PROEXCA is a public company attached to the Ministry of Economy, Knowledge and Employment.read more...
Chamber of Madrid
The International Business Department of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce supports companies.read more...
Chamber of Spain
The Spanish Chamber of Commerce is a public law corporation and advisory body.read more...