Issue No. 646, 1-15 August 2017
UNCTAD pushes for “global new deal”

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A “global new deal” needed to build more inclusive economies
A UN development agency has called for a “global new deal” comprising fiscal stimulus as well as regulatory and redistributive strategies to revive and rebalance the world economy.
by Kanaga Raja

MC11 may become platform for future plurilateral talks
The WTO Ministerial Conference this December could see the launch of plurilateral negotiations on a number of contentious new issues if multilateral agreements in areas under the existing work programme cannot be reached.
by D. Ravi Kanth

“Will not pay for mandated permanent solution for PSH,” insist G33
The developing-country G33 grouping, which is seeking an agreement on public food stocks at the WTO ministerial meeting, has opposed attempts to link this issue with outcomes on domestic agricultural support at Buenos Aires.
by D. Ravi Kanth

Argentina’s “authoritarian” approach to MC11 agenda riles South nations
The host country of the coming Ministerial Conference, Argentina, has reportedly caused a stir at the WTO by suggesting that a joint China-India proposal to scrap trade-distorting farm subsidies in developed countries be dropped.
by D. Ravi Kanth

North declares war on SDT and improvements at WTO
A proposal for more flexible WTO rules for developing countries has met with rejection from developed-country negotiators ahead of the Buenos Aires conference.
by D. Ravi Kanth

World Bank should draft new policy to advance human rights
Pointing to adverse effects of World Bank policies and financing, a UN rights expert has advocated a reorientation towards integrating human rights promotion into the Bank’s operations.
by Kanaga Raja