WTO: Members discuss possible SPS Declaration for WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference

Members discuss possible SPS Declaration for WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference WTO members have discussed a possible Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Declaration for the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference next year which would address the growing pressures on international agri-food production and trade. The proposal was discussed for the first time at a meeting of the SPS... Lees verder Panels established to review Indian tech tariffs, Colombian duties on fries WTO members agreed at a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on 29 June to a request from the European Union for a dispute panel to examine India's tariffs on certain high-tech goods. The DSB also agreed to an EU request for a panel to review Colombia's anti-dumping duties on frozen fries... Lees verder DDG Wolff: WTO acceding governments reconfirm value of multilateral trading system At a time when the WTO is under heightened scrutiny and reform of the WTO is a subject of concern for all, the efforts undertaken by acceding governments to join the organization are a force for change, Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff said on 29 June. Speaking at the virtual opening session of... Lees verder Members discuss challenges and opportunities of online services trade amid COVID-19 crisis At a meeting of the Council for Trade in Services on 1 July, WTO members discussed their efforts to increase the digital capabilities of businesses and consumers in view of the growing importance of online services, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. They also raised specific trade concerns... Lees verder Heads of WTO and development banks voice support for trade finance amid COVID-19 crisis The heads of the WTO and six multilateral development banks on 1 July issued a joint statement promising to address shortages in trade finance, so that financial market stresses arising from the COVID-19 crisis do not prevent otherwise-viable trade transactions, including for essential goods such... Lees verder Enhanced Integrated Framework issues 2019 Annual Report On 2 July, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) issued its 2019 Annual Report, outlining EIF support for building the trade capacity of least-developed countries (LDCs). The report notes progress in improving gender equality in LDCs and in enhancing access to new technologies, particularly for... Lees verder Trade Policy Review: Japan The fourteenth review of the trade policies and practices of Japan takes place on 6 and 8 July 2020. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of Japan. Lees verder WTO issues latest edition of World Tariff Profiles The WTO issued on 6 July the latest edition of its annual publication World Tariff Profiles, which provides comprehensive information on the tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 170 countries and customs territories. The publication is jointly prepared by the WTO, the United Nations... Lees verder EU donates EUR 2 million to enhance developing countries' trading capacity The European Union has contributed EUR 2 million (CHF 2.1 million) over the period 2019-2020 to help developing countries and least-developed countries participate effectively in global trade negotiations. This donation to the WTO's DDA Global Trust Fund will finance training and other... Lees verder Kenya nominates Ms Amina C. Mohamed for post of WTO Director-General Kenya, on 7 July 2020, nominated Ms Amina C. Mohamed for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020. Lees verder