WTO clears historic deal, USD 1 tn boost to global trade

Overcoming a string of failures over the years, the WTO today reached a landmark agreement that can help boost global trade by USD 1 trillion, while taking on board concerns of countries like India to protect its food security scheme to provide subsidised grains to the poor.
In the first-ever agreement reached after the launch of the Doha Round of trade talks, Ministers from 159 countries approved the Bali package early this morning.
After tortuous negotiations in the last four days and a last-minute hiccup from Cuba and three others Latin American countries opposing a deal, the Ministers reached an agreement in discussions that extended beyond the four-day schedule.

"The ninth ministerial conference adopted the full Bali package...These are historic achievements but the race is not over," Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said during the closing session of the WTO ninth ministerial conference.
Yesterday, India scored a major victory when WTO agreed to allow countries to provide subsidy on staple food crops without any threat of punitive action.
On the contentious issue of public stock holding of grains for food security purposes, Gita said: "We have negotiated a package for food security that will provide food to millions of poor in the world."

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma too described the decision as historic for India.

"India has played a major role in the revival and re-energising the Doha Round of talks. The Bali declaration is a positive step," Sharma added.
On the trade facilitation agreement, Gita said that pact would boost global trade by USD 1 trillion.
"We did it...It is a historic deal...These are historic achievements...But there is still much to do...," Gita added.
The WTO has achieved a major breakthrough since 1995, when it was formed.