Manila urges WTO to decentralize vaccine, therapeutics production

THE Philippines is urging the World Trade Organization (WTO) to pursue all avenues that will enable decentralized and increased production of vaccines and therapeutics among the developing and least developed countries, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Speaking before 163 fellow members at the multilateral body’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), DTI Assistant Secretary Allan B. Gepty stressed that as we “adjust our respective strategies to deal with the Covid virus as an endemic disease, we believe the Declaration provides a forwardlooking framework that will help us to effectively respond to seasonal surges, the emergence of new variants, or new pathogens.”

Gepty added that as the pandemic taught us, “we see value in improving the notification toolbox, providing mechanisms for consultations, and enhancing information exchange within WTO bodies to mitigate against supply chain disruptions.”

The WTO Trade and Health Declaration cover an expansive set of trade rules and disciplines including transparency, export restrictions, trade facilitation, regulatory cooperation, intellectual property, food security, and technology transfer.

During the session, the Philippines assured the membership of support to the emerging consensus.

As members continue to finalize a waiver for Covid-19 vaccines under the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, Gepty emphasized that “the Philippines continues to support pursuing all avenues that will allow for the decentralized and increased production of therapeutics and vaccines.”

Gepty added that this will be done through voluntary technology transfer, which remains key to unlocking the door to recovery, especially for the majority of developing countries and least developed countries.

To date, the Philippines has administered 159 million vaccine doses and has vaccinated 77 percent of its targeted population.

Further, Gepty expressed gratitude to the members as they have committed to ensure that emergency measures are targeted, proportionate, transparent and temporary.

In his video speech presented on the first day of MC12, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez underscored the importance of solidarity in addressing the ill effects of the pandemic. He added that the WTO has a significant role to play in ensuring the smooth supply of essential goods that will help the world fight future pandemics. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2022/06/13/wto-has-keyrole-to-playin-fighting-pandemics-dti/)

The WTO Ministerial Declaration on the WTO Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic and Preparedness for Future Pandemics and Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement are expected to be issued on June 15.