Issue No. 587, 16-28 Feb 2015
Developing countries emphasize development, LDC issues in WTO talks

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South stress on development, LDC issues in post-Bali work
Developing countries have highlighted the need to tackle issues relating to the least developed countries and the importance of advancing development objectives in the Doha Round trade talks at the WTO.
by Kanaga Raja

LDCs request extension of transition period on pharmaceuticals
Pointing to the “massive health challenges” they face, the least developed countries have sought continued exemption from subjecting pharmaceutical products to the intellectual property rules imposed by the WTO.
by K.M. Gopakumar

No common ground on NAMA, says chair
The chairperson of the WTO negotiations on liberalizing trade in manufactured goods has bemoaned the lack of headway in the talks.
by Kanaga Raja

A new wave of trade protection?
Two US Congressional bills on currency manipulation threaten a new wave of trade protection and may also derail trade agreements like the TPPA, writes Martin Khor.

South increasingly vulnerable in unstable global financial system
Deeper linkages with the global financial system are exposing developing countries to a heightened threat of shocks.
by Yilmaz Akyuz

Is debt relief for Ebola-stricken countries enough?
Debt relief granted by the IMF to the Ebola-hit countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone falls short of what is needed, say debt campaigners, especially given concerns over new loans and the conditions that will come attached.
by Bodo Ellmers

Developing-country interests sidestepped in FSB proposals
Andrew Cornford runs the rule over proposals advanced by the Financial Stability Board concerning resolution procedures for and loss-absorption capacities of global systemically important banks.