Despite WTO Standstill, G20 Countries List Common Principles

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – While the World Trade Organization (WTO) is at a virtual standstill due to a move by the United States to block all nominations to the Appellate Body, the U.S. and others meeting in a virtual G20 Trade Ministers Meeting made good progress on agreeing to reforms. Reform is what the U.S. has listed as the reason for blocking new Appeallate Body members. At the meeting, all members agreed to eight common principles for the WTO. The principles include: (1) Rule of law, (2) Transparency, (3) Non-discrimination, (4) Inclusiveness, (5) Fair competition, (6) Market openness, (7) Resistance to protectionism, and (8) Reciprocal and mutually advantageous arrangements providing more favorable treatment for developing economies and special attention to least developed countries.

What is most impressive for the G20 is that its members have not agreed to anything as concrete before, especially not since WTO Reform has been on the agenda. Some obvious omissions exist, such as agreement that there must be binding dispute settlement, the need for market-oriented policies, sustainable development, and rule by lockstep consensus. The agreement points to optimism by WTO leaders that reform can be made that both satisfies the United States while also protecting and advancing the future of world trade rules.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)