WTO Ministerial Conference Face Challenges Amid Geopolitical Tensions


 World Trade Organization ministers met in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for trade talks. The 13th ministerial conference of the WTO aims to make progress on key issues like fishing, agriculture and electronic commerce. However, major deals are unlikely due to disagreements among members and current geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine and inflation. 


The director general recognizes the talks will be challenging. During the last ministerial in 2021, deals were reached on fishing subsidies and patent waivers for Covid vaccines. Replicating this success will be difficult. Negotiations on reform and updating the dispute settlement system are also hampering progress. 


With the US elections this year, this may be the last chance for agreements before a possible new administration. However, the US cannot be expected to make large concessions. Instead, smaller advances may be achievable, like accepting new WTO members. Many countries also published declarations on facilitating international investment. 


The lack of consensus makes plurilateral agreements outside the entire body more common. Overall, high tensions between members as well as global economic issues threaten to fragment the international trading system. Progress at this conference likely depends on building goodwill and finding compromises on divisive issues.

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