This morning, the delegates of the World Trade Organization (WTO) chose "Implications of sustainable development and the financial crisis on the Doha Development Agenda" as the topic that will be at the centre of debate this weekend.
After creating a General Speakers List, delegates started to discuss the definition of sustainable development. As a consensus on formulating a new definition could not be reached, the delegates turned back to the original definition as contained in the founding documents of the WTO. Another main issue of the day was a proposal by developing nations to cut their tariffs on imports with 7%, which was ultimately laid down in a working paper. The proposed policy also included an option for developing nations to exclude some of their most produced goods from this tariff cut. In the case of Turkey for instance, this would be cherries. What the block of developing nations expects from developed nations in return remains unclear, but will definitely be discussed in tomorrow’s sessions. Before going to the symposium, delegates deemed it necessary to discuss two other – rather unexpected - pressing issues, namely: First, gender inequality in China and how this has contributed to the Chinese economic miracle. Second, and the threat of Swiss farmers to vote no at a referendum on new WTO rules which could harm the agricultural sector. The question whether these discussions will create a breakthrough in the debate on creating a new framework of international trade rules will be answered in the days to come!
After creating a General Speakers List, delegates started to discuss the definition of sustainable development. As a consensus on formulating a new definition could not be reached, the delegates turned back to the original definition as contained in the founding documents of the WTO. Another main issue of the day was a proposal by developing nations to cut their tariffs on imports with 7%, which was ultimately laid down in a working paper. The proposed policy also included an option for developing nations to exclude some of their most produced goods from this tariff cut. In the case of Turkey for instance, this would be cherries. What the block of developing nations expects from developed nations in return remains unclear, but will definitely be discussed in tomorrow’s sessions. Before going to the symposium, delegates deemed it necessary to discuss two other – rather unexpected - pressing issues, namely: First, gender inequality in China and how this has contributed to the Chinese economic miracle. Second, and the threat of Swiss farmers to vote no at a referendum on new WTO rules which could harm the agricultural sector. The question whether these discussions will create a breakthrough in the debate on creating a new framework of international trade rules will be answered in the days to come!
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