Issue No. 635, 16-28 February 2017
Automation raises fears of disruption and discontent

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Prospects for credible outcomes at Buenos Aires bleak
Differences and manoeuvrings among countries in the WTO agriculture negotiations leading up to the yearend Buenos Aires Ministerial Conference have extended to the selection of a chair for the talks.
by D. Ravi Kanth

PSH must cover all DCs and not be country-specific
The permanent solution being negotiated at the WTO on public stockholding programmes undertaken for food security purposes should address the needs of all developing countries, the G33 country grouping has said.
by D. Ravi Kanth

Indian TFS draft faces sharp questions, intense scrutiny
India’s proposal for an agreement on trade facilitation in services has come in for some vigorous questioning at the WTO, reports D. Ravi Kanth.

GATS DR disciplines hinge on progress in agriculture
The Indian TFS proposal got an earlier airing at another WTO meeting which also saw many developing countries voice concerns over proposed disciplines to streamline domestic regulations on services trade.
by D. Ravi Kanth

Reform global IP rights, investment regimes
Global institutions that are part of the world economic, social and political order can be improved by, among other measures, reforming intellectual property rights and investor protection systems, suggests the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
by Kanaga Raja

Discrimination compounds global inequality
Poverty and exclusion are often related to persistent discrimination, the UNDP Human Development Report maintains.
by Lyndal Rowlands

CSOs launch Europe-wide patent challenge on hepatitis C drug
European civil society organizations are disputing a patent on a hepatitis C drug which has restricted affordable access to this life-saving treatment.
by Kanaga Raja

Opinion: The robots are coming, your job is at risk
Deepening use of automation is threatening mass displacement of jobs everywhere, and developing countries could be the worst hit.
by Martin Khor

Analysis: The most remarkable rejection of free trade you’ve never heard of
Nigeria and Tanzania are turning their backs on proposed free trade deals with the European Union – and for good reason, explains Rick Rowden.