TWN Info Service on WTO and Trade Issues (Mar26/14)
16 March 2026
Third World Network

WTO: Switzerland rallies support for reform, IFDA, E-com moratorium
Published in SUNS #10400 dated 16 March 2026

Geneva, 13 Mar (D. Ravi Kanth) — Switzerland appears to have intensified its efforts on securing approval on three controversial issues – World Trade Organization reform, incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement, and a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions – at the WTO’s upcoming 14th ministerial conference (MC14) in Yaounde, Cameroon, according to a Swiss official.

Even though none of the three issues seem to have garnered consensus at the General Council meeting that concluded on 12 March, Bern reckons that positive outcomes on the three issues at MC14 will strengthen the WTO and give a new lease on life to making the organization relevant in the global trading system, the official said on 11 March.

The official hinted that if developing countries insist on securing a moratorium on TRIPS non-violation and situation complaints – an issue opposed by the United States and Switzerland – Bern could consider it.

It has been a recurring practice to extend the e-commerce moratorium on a biennial basis, along with the moratorium on TRIPS non-violation and situation complaints. +