What are the main issues of the Doha round?
Briefing notes on some of the main issues of the Doha Round
- Non-agricultural market access (NAMA)
- Services.
- Rules.
- Intellectual property: geographical indications and biodiversity.
- Trade and environment.
- Special and differential treatment.
- E-commerce.
- Jargon buster.
Why did the Doha round fail?
Though it seems that the main reason behind the failure of the Doha Rounds are systemic problems, linked to rule and regulations of the global financial bodies; but the process of discussion has been politicised gradually among the two mainstream blocs- developed and developing countries.
What is the purpose of special and differential treatment?
Special and differential treatment (S&D) is a set of GATT provisions (GATT 1947, Article XVIII) that exempts developing countries from the same strict trade rules and disciplines of more industrialized countries.
What is special and differential treatment in WTO?
The WTO agreements contain special provisions which give developing countries special rights and allow other members to treat them more favourably. These are “special and differential treatment provisions” (abbreviated as S&D or SDT).
When did the Doha round fail?
The 2003 Cancún talks—intended to forge concrete agreement on the Doha round objectives—collapsed after four days during which the members could not agree on a framework to continue negotiations. Low key talks continued since the ministerial meeting in Doha but progress was almost non-existent.
What is significant about Doha round?
The Doha Round of WTO trade negotiations was officially launched at the WTO’s Fourth Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar, in November 2001. It was intended to achieve major reform of the international trading system through the introduction of lower trade barriers and revised trade rules.
Was the Doha round a failure?
After 14 years of talks, members of the World Trade Organization have effectively ended the Doha round of negotiations. At a meeting of the W.T.O. in mid-December in Nairobi, trade ministers from more than 160 countries failed to agree that they should keep the negotiations going.
When did the Doha round collapse?
This stalemate caused the collapse of the Doha Round in 2008 and has been the basis of the continued impasse since then.
Does the WTO help developing countries?
Underlying the WTO’s trading system is the fact that more open trade can boost economic growth and help countries develop. In addition, the WTO agreements are full of provisions that take into account the interests of developing countries. Over three-quarters of WTO members are developing or least-developed countries.
What are the disadvantages of being a member of the WTO?
Disadvantages of WTO
- However, the WTO has often been criticised for trade rules which are still unfavourable towards developing countries.
- Free trade may prevent developing economies develop their infant industries.
- WTO is being overshadowed by new TIPP trade deals.
- Difficulty of making progress.
What is differential treatment?
In the employment context, differential treatment often means that an employer treats a group of employees differently from other groups because of specific characteristics that they are unable to change. If your employer engages in differential treatment, it may be unlawful if it is for a discriminatory purpose.
What is special safeguard mechanism?
The Special Safeguard Mechanism of the WTO is a special protection mechanism for developing countries that allows developing countries to raise tariffs on agricultural imports that are injurious to domestic farmers. The design and use of the SSM is an area of conflict under the WTO.
What are the special and differential treatment provisions?
These provisions are referred to as special and differential treatment (S&D) provisions. The special provisions include: longer time periods for implementing Agreements and commitments, measures to increase trading opportunities for developing countries,
When did Bali Review special and differential treatment?
The Bali Ministerial Conference in December 2013 established a mechanism to review and analyse the implementation of special and differential treatment provisions.
What are the special treatment provisions in the WTO?
The WTO Agreements contain provisions which give developing countries special rights. These are called special and differential treatment provisions. The Ministers in Doha, at the 4th WTO Ministerial Conference mandated the Committee on Trade and Development to examine these special and differential treatment provisions.
Is the Doha Declaration a part of the WTO?
In the Doha Declaration, member governments agreed that all special and differential treatment provisions are an integral part of the WTO agreements, and that these provisions should be reviewed with a view to strengthening them and making them more effective and operational.