New WTO chief Roberto Azevedo will be seeking to defy the odds and push through an agreement that could lead to relaunching the "Doha Round" of talks on slashing world trade barriers.
But hopes for success are low after the WTO failed to agree on even a modest deal to put to trade ministers who will open the four-day gathering on the island of Bali on Tuesday.
Sergio Marchi, Canada's past trade minister and former WTO envoy, said "failure in Bali will be very unkind to the WTO after 12 years of missed deadlines and opportunities" on the Doha Round.
"There will be a high cost to its credibility and relevance," he said.
The Doha Round, launched in Qatar in 2001, aims for a wide-ranging accord to open markets and remove trade barriers, with a focus on helping poorer countries.
But the talks have stalled repeatedly as rich countries, emerging powers such as China and India, and the world's poorest nations spar over the give and take needed to craft a deal.
The World Trade Organization's requirement that deals be unanimously agreed by all members also has complicated matters.
Negotiators had long ruled out major progress in Bali, instead working on lower-level thematic accords that could be fed into a wider package later.
WTO diplomats engaged in last-ditch talks on Thursday however hailed a "breakthrough" on simplifying customs measures to facilitate trade, indicating that poor countries would be given extra flexibility to implement new rules under discussion.
But other gaps remain, and analysts warn that a limited agreement in Bali might do little to resuscitate Doha anyway.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app