Over the last several years the difficulty of moving some critical trade agendas forward in the WTO has created significant tensions in the world trading system and raised questions about its efficacy in regulating global trade. The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, held in Abu Dhabi from 26 February to 2 March 2024, had some successes. But on certain crucial issues no progress was made. The Ministerial was unable to come to an agreement on agriculture, fisheries subsidies and reform of the dispute settlement mechanism, while on e-commerce the moratorium on electronic transfers was extended until end March 2026, or the next Ministerial, whichever comes first. Plurilateral agreements also remain a bone of contention, with South Africa being opposed to such negotiations because not all members have approved them.
The South African Institute of International Affairs invites you to a webinar to review the outcomes of the 13th Ministerial Conference.
Keynote Speaker
- Ambassador Mzukisi Qobo, South Africa’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Geneva
Panellists
- Professor Vera Thorstensen, Head of the Centre on International Trade and Investment, Head of WTO Chair in Brazil, Professor at FGV São Paulo
- Dr Axel Berger, Deputy Director, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (TBC)
- H.E. Ambassador Dr. Jayant Dasgupta, Former Ambassador of India to the WTO
Moderator
- Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, SAIIA
We look forward to your attendance and participation.