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India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal Drives WTO Talks Ahead of Key Conference

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of crucial bilateral meetings with senior WTO diplomats to prepare for the upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon. The discussions with representatives from the EU, China, the US, and others focused on strengthening multilateralism and advancing WTO reforms. Key agenda items included fisheries negotiations, agriculture, and ensuring development-oriented outcomes. These consultations highlight India's active diplomatic outreach to protect the interests of developing countries within the global trading system.

Key Points: India's WTO Prep: Agrawal Holds Key Bilateral Meetings for MC14

  • Bilateral talks ahead of WTO MC14
  • Focus on WTO reform & multilateralism
  • Safeguarding developing nations' interests
  • Fisheries & agriculture negotiations
2 min read

Commerce secy Rajesh Agrawal holds key bilateral meetings ahead of WTO Ministerial Conference

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal meets top trade diplomats to shape agenda for the WTO Ministerial Conference, focusing on reform and development.

"The discussions underscored India's emphasis on purposeful multilateralism, WTO reform, and addressing pressing global trade challenges. - Official Release"

New Delhi, February 14

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with senior trade diplomats at the World Trade Organization, focusing on preparations for the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon. The discussions underscored India's emphasis on purposeful multilateralism, WTO reform, and addressing pressing global trade challenges.

In a meeting with João Aguiar Machado, Permanent Representative and Ambassador of the European Union to the WTO, the two sides discussed the importance of strengthening multilateralism and advancing reforms within the WTO framework. They also reviewed key issues expected to feature prominently at MC14.

Engaging with Li Yongjie, Permanent Representative and Ambassador of China to the WTO, Agrawal discussed broader WTO-related matters, global trade challenges, and priorities for the forthcoming Ministerial Conference. Both sides exchanged views on ensuring constructive engagement at MC14.0.

The Commerce Secretary also met David Bisbee, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the WTO. Their discussions focused on opportunities and challenges leading up to MC14, with an emphasis on continued mutual cooperation in addressing trade-related concerns.

In a separate meeting with Leslie Ramsammy, Permanent Representative of Guyana and Chairperson of the Fisheries Negotiations, Agrawal held detailed discussions on livelihood and sustainability considerations in fisheries negotiations. The two sides also deliberated on the path forward for ongoing consultations on overcapacity and overfishing (OCOF), as well as priorities for MC14.

Agrawal further met Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairperson of the WTO General Council. Their talks centred on the agenda for MC14, the priorities of India and developing countries, and various proposals concerning WTO reform.

In another bilateral engagement, Agrawal met Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the WTO. The discussions featured a candid exchange of views on foundational WTO principles, agriculture negotiations, trade and development concerns, and strategic priorities for MC14.

The series of consultations reflects India's active diplomatic outreach in the lead-up to MC14, with a focus on safeguarding the interests of developing countries, strengthening the multilateral trading system, and advancing balanced, inclusive, and development-oriented outcomes at the WTO.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see proactive diplomacy. The focus on "purposeful multilateralism" and WTO reform is key. Hope these meetings translate into concrete outcomes that support sustainable development and fair trade, not just for India but for all developing nations.
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Vikram M
The meeting with China's ambassador is particularly interesting. While we have our bilateral issues, it's important to find common ground on global trade platforms like the WTO. A constructive approach there can benefit everyone.
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Priya S
Fisheries negotiations are so important for our coastal communities. Glad to see India is actively discussing livelihood and sustainability. We must protect our fishermen's interests from unfair subsidies by developed countries.
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Rohit P
All these meetings sound good on paper, but I'll believe it when I see results. The WTO has been gridlocked for years. Hope our team can push for real reforms on agriculture and public stockholding, which are matters of food security for us.
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David E
Engaging with key players like the EU, US, China, and Brazil shows strategic thinking. Building coalitions with other developing countries, as seen with the Saudi and Guyana meetings, will be essential to counterbalance the influence of developed nations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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