Goyal Urges WTO Trust Rebuild, Holds Key Talks with US and China

Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the critical need to rebuild trust and uphold consensus-driven decision-making as the foundation of the World Trade Organization. He called for a transparent and inclusive examination of the challenges facing the multilateral trading system. On the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference, Goyal held productive discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer regarding the India-US bilateral trade agreement. He also met with China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to discuss the conference agenda and bilateral trade matters.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal Calls for Rebuilding Trust in WTO Decision-Making

  • Rebuild trust in global trade system
  • Consensus is WTO bedrock
  • Need transparent, inclusive discussions
  • Held talks on India-US trade deal
  • Discussed agenda with China
2 min read

Piyush Goyal calls for rebuilding trust in WTO decision-making; holds talks with US, China Ministers

India's Piyush Goyal emphasizes consensus at WTO MC14, holds bilateral talks with US and China trade officials on sidelines of conference.

Piyush Goyal calls for rebuilding trust in WTO decision-making; holds talks with US, China Ministers
"Rebuilding trust is essential to revitalising consensus-driven decision-making, which is non-negotiable and bedrock of WTO. - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, March 27

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday emphasised the need to rebuild trust in the global trading system, stating that consensus-driven decision-making remains the "bedrock" of the World Trade Organization.

Speaking at the Ministerial Breakout Session on 'Decision-Making and Past Mandates' at the WTO Ministerial Conference 14, Goyal shared India's perspective on strengthening global trade governance.

"Rebuilding trust is essential to revitalising consensus-driven decision-making, which is non-negotiable and bedrock of WTO," Goyal said in a post on X.

He also stressed the need to examine the current challenges facing the multilateral trading system in a transparent and inclusive manner.

"We must undertake a comprehensive and constructive stock-take of the present impasse, with a focus on understanding the underlying causes, while ensuring that discussions remain transparent, inclusive, and member-driven," he said.

The minister further highlighted the importance of a cohesive institutional framework to support global trade.

"A truly integrated multilateral trading system can only flourish when its institutional framework remains cohesive, resilient, and aligned with shared aspirations of its members," he said.

On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal also held discussions with senior trade officials from other countries.

He met Jamieson Greer, the Office of the United States Trade Representative representative, to discuss trade ties and the progress of negotiations on the India-US bilateral trade agreement.

"Had a very productive discussion with @USTradeRep Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference. Exchanged views on the #WTOMC14 agenda, next steps in the India-US BTA negotiations and explored ways to further deepen our economic cooperation and bilateral trade ties," Goyal said.

The Commerce Minister also met Wang Wentao, China's Minister of Commerce, where the two leaders discussed issues related to the conference agenda and bilateral trade.

"Met Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of China, on the sidelines of the #WTOMC14. Exchanged views on the MC-14 agenda and discussed bilateral trade matters," Goyal said.

The meetings and discussions took place as global trade leaders gathered for the WTO Ministerial Conference to deliberate on key issues affecting the international trading system and its future direction.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in exports, a stable and fair WTO is vital for business. The "transparent and inclusive" approach mentioned is key. Hope this leads to practical solutions and not just more discussions.
P
Priya S
Interesting that he met both US and Chinese ministers. Walking a diplomatic tightrope. India needs to leverage its position carefully. The focus should be on getting better market access for our services and tech sectors.
R
Rohit P
Consensus-driven is good in theory, but often leads to the lowest common denominator. While I respect the minister's view, sometimes decisive leadership is needed to break impasses. Hope India pushes for reforms that actually work.
K
Karthik V
The WTO needs a major overhaul. Developed countries have long dominated the agenda. India's voice for a resilient and cohesive framework that works for developing nations is very important. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Strong trade governance benefits everyone. Hope the talks with China were productive on easing some of the non-tariff barriers. A functional multilateral system is the best antidote to protectionism.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50