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India's WTO Push: Commerce Secretary Meets DG Okonjo-Iweala on MC14 Priorities

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held key meetings in Geneva to discuss priorities for the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14). His discussion with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focused on ensuring a positive and balanced outcome for the global trade meeting. Agrawal also met with ambassadors from various developing countries to highlight the need to strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system. These engagements underscore India's active role in shaping an inclusive agenda that represents the interests of the developing world.

Key Points: India's WTO Priorities for MC14 Discussed in Geneva Meetings

  • Preparing for WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference
  • Ensuring a balanced & inclusive outcome
  • Strengthening rules-based multilateral trade
  • Representing developing world interests
  • India's commitment to constructive engagement
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Commerce Secretary meets WTO Director-General to discuss MC14 priorities

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal meets WTO DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and developing nation ambassadors to shape a balanced MC14 outcome.

"thoughtful and productive discussion around the substance, process, and preparation of MC14 - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala"

Geneva, February 13

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Geneva to discuss priorities for the 14th Ministerial Conference.

The meeting focused on the preparations and the substance needed to ensure the ministerial outcome. The discussion provided a platform to review the framework for the upcoming global trade body meeting.

Permanent Mission of India at the World Trade Organization, Geneva posted on X, "CS Shri @RajeshAgrawal94 met Dr. @NOIweala, DG @WTO at Geneva. Discussed key priorities for making #MC14 a positive, balanced and inclusive Ministerial. Highlighted India's continued commitment towards constructive engagement with #WTO Members for strengthening rules based MTS."

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also shared details of the interaction on X. She noted that the meeting was a "thoughtful and productive discussion."

She said, "Happy to receive India's Commerce Secretary, HE Rajesh Agrawal, and his delegation, including Additional Secretary Amitabh Kumar and HE Amb Senthil Pandian. Many thanks for a thoughtful and productive discussion around the substance, process, and preparation of MC14. Look forward to continued engagement as we work through the thorny issues."

In a separate session in Geneva, the Commerce Secretary also met with Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors of various developing countries and addressed "key issues in the context of MC14 of the WTO."

The discussions during this session focused on the need to strengthen the multilateral trading system to benefit member states. The meetings emphasised the importance of ensuring that the interests of the developing world were represented in the upcoming conference.

India at WTO, Geneva said on X, "Commerce Secretary @RajeshAgrawal94 today met with Permanent Representatives (PRs) & Ambassadors of various developing countries at Geneva and discussed key issues in the context of MC14 of the #WTO highlighting the need to strengthen rule based MTS."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Strengthening the rules-based system is important, but I hope our delegation pushes hard on issues like food security and public stockholding. Past meetings have seen a lot of talk but less action for countries like ours.
M
Michael C
As someone working in export, a stable and fair multilateral trading system is vital for business. Glad India is engaging constructively. The focus on "thorny issues" mentioned by the DG is the real test.
S
Shreya B
Positive step! Meeting with other developing countries is key. We need a united front to ensure the WTO doesn't just serve the interests of developed nations. Our farmers' livelihoods depend on these negotiations.
R
Rohit P
Hope the "constructive engagement" translates to tangible benefits for India. Often these high-level meetings feel disconnected from ground realities. Let's see what concrete proposals come out of MC14.
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Nisha Z
The WTO needs reform, and India has a strong voice. Focusing on a balanced outcome is the right approach. We must protect our policy space for development while engaging in global trade. Good diplomacy at work!

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