India to engage with 50 nations over global trade

Global trade likely to be the main focus

New Delhi, March 18: The government on Sunday said that 50 nations will engage in free and frank discussions on trade here this week to explore the options for resolving various issues and re-invigorating the WTO.

Representatives from 50 countries will be gathering in New Delhi on March 19-20 for an informal WTO ministerial meeting. “The informal meeting of ministers will provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank discussions with the hope that it will lead to political guidance on some major issues,” the commerce ministry said.

It will look at the issues both at the negotiating table and also in other areas. Commerce secretary Rita Teaotia had said that it would be more of an “ice-breaker” as it is being held after the collapse of talks in December.

When asked if there would be a statement by the chair, she had said it would be for the miniministerial to decide.

The ministry further said: “In the absence of ministerial guidance at the 11th Ministerial Conference that took place from 10 to 13 December 2017 in Argentina, it is hoped that the New Delhi meeting will provide an opportunity for ministers to explore in greater detail the options on different issues for re-invigorating the WTO.”

The informal meeting of ministers will provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank discussions with the hope that it will lead to political guidance on some major issues — COMMERCE MINISTRY