Issue No. 576, 1-15 Sept 2014
WTO deadlock over trade facilitation, food stocks continues

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WTO members differ on post-Bali work on agriculture
Returning to the WTO after the summer recess, member state delegations remained divided over the way to deal with the contentious issues of trade facilitation and public food stocks. Kanaga Raja reports.

Battle hots up to curb “vulture funds”
Many countries face a worsening debt situation and thus feel the urgency to curb “vulture funds” and set up a global debt restructuring mechanism.
by Martin Khor

UN General Assembly adopts SDG outcome
The UN General Assembly has agreed that the report of an intergovernmental working group set up to formulate sustainable development goals will be the main basis for integrating SDGs into a post-2015 development agenda for the international community.
by Bhumika Muchhala

Global economy still in the doldrums, says UNCTAD
The world economy is projected to record a slight upturn in growth this year, according to UN development body UNCTAD, although it will still fall short of pre-crisis levels and doubts persist as to whether a sustained recovery is now underway.
by Kanaga Raja

Taming modern monopolies
It’s time to reverse the privatization drive, and not just in the traditional utilities sector, writes Sam Pizzigati.

Global summit urged to focus on trillion-dollar corruption
Anti-poverty activists are calling for action to tackle the illicit exodus of funds from developing countries – at both ends of the flow.
by Carey L. Biron

WTO upside down: Trade facilitation vs agriculture
Behind the current impasse in the WTO over trade facilitation and agriculture lie concerns surrounding unreformed old rules, proposed new ones and the longstanding power play in the trading system.
by D. Ravi Kanth