Amid US-China trade war, 22 WTO nations plan meet

In the backdrop of the US-China trade war and an impasse at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a WTO ministerial of 22 developing countries will take place in Delhi next week.

In the meet, which will take place on 14 and 15, the countries are expected to deliberate on a common position on unilateral measures being taken by a few countries among other issues of interest.

India's commerce ministry in a release said that the meeting is being held at a time when the "multilateral rule-based trading system is facing serious and grave challenges" and in the recent past, "there have been increasing unilateral measures and countermeasures by members".

US President Donald Trump on Friday commented on the ongoing trade war with China, tweeting, "Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch," as Washington imposed increased tariffs on Chinese goods.

The meet will also discuss an impasse in the Appellate Body of WTO, which could impact the existence of a Dispute Settlement Mechanism at the global body and further affect WTO's position as an effective multilateral organisation.

The Appellate Body based in Geneva hears appeals brought by WTO members and consists of seven members. US has blocked the nomination of new members to the body.

Next week's meet will have 16 developing countries, six Least Developed Countries (LDC) along with DG WTO Roberto Azevêdo. Countries participating in the meet are — Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, China, Egypt, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and Uganda.

Bangladesh, CAR and South Africa have confirmed their participation. Vice Ministers, senior officials and ambassadors will be representing other countries in the meet.

China will be represented by an assistant minister and the envoy. A joint statement is expected by the end of second day of the meet.

ON THE AGENDA

• Member countries are expected to deliberate on a common position on unilateral measures being taken by a few countries
   
• The members will also discuss an impasse in the WTO Appellate Body, which could impact the Dispute Settlement Mechanism