World Trading System and Development: Issues for the Reform of World Trading System and WTDR05

Following the launch of RIS Report World Trade and Development Report 2003 (WTDR03) it the occasion of Cancun Ministerial, RIS has continued to follow the emerging developments in the multilateral trade negotiations. RIS emphasized on the need for reform of decision-making process in the multilateral trading system for its long term sustainability as well as issues for mutual cooperation among developing countries in these negotiations, among other issues for reform to address asymmetries in its presentations at the Preparatory Committee for UNCTAD XI and subsequently at the WTO Public Symposium, organized by the WTO Secretariat in May 2004. RIS followed the negotiations leading to adoption of the July Framework, besides assisting the Ministry of Commerce, where required, and organized a seminar to discuss its implications for developing countries soon after its completion. The preparations for the WTDR05, which will focus on issues on the agenda of Sixth Ministerial Conference of WTO, have also started in right earnestness besides ongoing work on sectoral issues such as industrial tariffs, SPS and other issues as summarized above.