TWN Info Service on WTO and Trade Issues (Jun22/03)
1 June 2022
Third World Network

WTO: DG issues "Plan B" decision on WFP food purchases for MC12
Published in SUNS #9586 dated 1 June 2022

Geneva, 31 May (D. Ravi Kanth) - The draft ministerial decision on "World Food Programme Food Purchases Exemption from Export Prohibitions or Restrictions" issued by the WTO Director-General Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 30 May seems like a "mixed" decision with rather conflicting paragraphs, said people who asked not to be quoted.

The draft decision calls on countries not to impose export restrictions on foodstuffs purchased for non-commercial humanitarian purposes by the World Food Programme.

Yet in the same tone and tenor, the draft decision says that "this Decision shall not be construed to prevent the adoption by any Member of measures to ensure its domestic food security in accordance with relevant WTO disciplines."

The draft ministerial decision on World Food Programme Food Purchases Exemption from Export Prohibitions or Restrictions is as follows:

"The Ministerial Conference,

Having regard to Paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization;

Pursuant to Article 12 of the Agreement on Agriculture and Article XI of the GATT 1994;

In view of the critical humanitarian support provided by the World Food Programme, made more urgent as global hunger levels have increased sharply;

With the understanding that the World Food Programme always takes procurement decisions on the basis of its principles to "do no harm" to the supplying Member and promote local and regional food procurement;

Decides as follows:

1. Members shall not impose export prohibitions or restrictions on foodstuffs purchased for non-commercial humanitarian purposes by the World Food Programme.

2. This Decision shall not be construed to prevent the adoption by any Member of measures to ensure its domestic food security in accordance with relevant WTO disciplines."