WTO news update:
At the TNC meeting, WTO Director-General Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that members were “a bit stuck” on several key issues but noted a positive shift following heads of delegation retreat on July 8, where the need to genuinely restart negotiations at the WTO was recognized. She emphasized, “Now is the time to walk the talk and move from reflection and brainstorming to action.
To not only take but to be prepared to give, to compromise, be flexible, and open-minded. To reach out to others, to understand their concerns, and find mutually agreeable ways forward.” She added, “Engagement is not necessarily negotiation. If we are to remain resilient at the WTO and responsive in a changing world, we must remain faithful to the organization’s negotiating DNA.”
Prior to her remarks, members heard reports from the chairs of negotiations on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights, agriculture, development, and fisheries. Ambassador Alfredo Suescum (Panama), Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy (Turkey), Ambassador Kadra Hassan (Djibouti), and Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson (Iceland) provided updates on their respective areas.
Ambassador Acarsoy highlighted ongoing efforts to define a roadmap for agriculture negotiations, including a Brazil-led initiative aimed at reaching a decision at the July 22-23 General Council. Ambassador Hassan discussed working with a facilitator to advance work based on the Ministerial Declaration adopted at MC13 and emphasized the importance of building on this momentum.
Ambassador Gunnarsson reported on circulating a revised draft of the Additional Provisions on Fisheries Subsidies, aiming for a consensus at the July General Council meeting. Despite some fundamental concerns from a few members, he expressed optimism that the majority see the text as a basis for finalizing the agreement.
Over 50 members commented on the reports, reflecting a collective commitment to progress. General Council Chair Petter Ølberg (Norway) acknowledged the busy week ahead but affirmed the group’s ability to meet their goals. In her closing statement, Director-General Okonjo-Iweala made an “impassioned plea” for members to negotiate in good faith and embrace compromise to advance agriculture, fisheries subsidies, and other critical issues.
