Context

• The thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) began in Abu Dhabi on 26 February. 
• The conference was chaired by Thani Al Zeyoudi, President and Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE.

Key Points

• Ambassador Ethalia Lesiba, President of its General Assembly, issued a report outlining the progress made in implementing the commitments made at the last conference.
• There is also discussion on strengthening trade reviews, taking forward negotiations regarding concessions in the fisheries sector and e-commerce.
• Apart from this, it was also informed that the necessary process regarding the accession of Comoros and East Timor to the organisation is also nearing completion.
• The Indian delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal.
• Two ministerial discussion sessions were held on the inaugural day, allowing ministers to exchange views on the future direction of the organisation.
• Various aspects of electronic commerce were discussed in this meeting. But efforts are on to reach a consensus on the draft ministerial decision.
• Apart from this, the global organisation of semiconductor industry groups has asked India to reconsider the plan to increase duties on cross-border digital e-commerce.
• In this way this conference has become very important for India.
• Despite some challenges, the draft Ministerial Declaration aims to strengthen the regulatory regime for cooperation on reducing technical barriers to trade and is likely to be accepted.
• The Director General of the World Trade Organization has announced an initiative to provide $50 million for the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
• He also praised the UAE's commitment to opening up trade and its contribution in helping developing countries.

India's stand

• India has called on the WTO to find a permanent solution to the public food storage issue, saying it is directly essential to achieving the UN's sustainable development goal of zero hunger by 2030.
• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said WTO should resolve rules on non-trade related issues like climate change, gender and labour in the relevant intergovernmental organisations.
• He stressed that a permanent solution on Public Storage (PSH) is necessary for food security, as without it the development agenda will remain incomplete.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR EXAM 

WTO

• Established: 1 January 1995 to replace GATT
• International organisation
• Regulates the rules of trade between countries.
• 164 member countries including European Union
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• India became a founding member of GATT and WTO in 1947.
• WTO Chief: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
• Objective: To facilitate trade negotiations and resolve disputes and to create a framework for international trade.
• Agreements: The organisation oversees several trade agreements, including the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• Trade Facilitation Agreement: WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement aims to simplify and streamline customs procedures to expedite the movement, release and clearance of goods.

WTO Ministerial Conference

• It is attended by trade ministers and other senior officials of 164 members of the organisation.
• This is the highest decision making body of the WTO.
• Under the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO, the Ministerial Conference meets at least once every two years.