Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
4. Bridging the economic disparities between developed and developing countries to foster more inclusive and sustainable global trade is a major issue that World Trade Organization (WTO) must address. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Trade ministers of the World Trade Organization (WTO) countries will meet for their 13th ministerial conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi next month at a time when the multilateral trading system is losing an existential battle.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the issues of India and developing with WTO, reforms that are needed in the WTO.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving the aims and objectives of WTO.
Body:
First, Explain the factors that have led to India’s and other developing countries chequered relationship with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). – disagreements over agricultural subsidies, intellectual property, services trade, special and differential treatment for developing countries, and the functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism.
Next, suggest reforms that are needed to overcome the above – Appellate body reform, clarity on Special and differential treatment and Sustainable Development Goal-oriented trade negotiation etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
