The majority of G-33 nations, a coalition of developing countries within the World Trade Organization (WTO), have collectively urged all WTO members to reach a consensus and embrace a permanent solution regarding public stockholding for food security purposes.
As stated in a ministerial statement on Agriculture Trade Negotiations released on February 25, most G-33 members emphasized the crucial role of public stockholding in ensuring food and livelihood security, particularly for developing countries, including least developed countries (LDCs) and net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs). They underscored its significance in supporting rural development and assisting low-income or resource-poor producers.
The G-33, also known as the “Friends of Special Products,” comprises 47 countries, including India, China, and Indonesia, advocating for flexibility in limited market opening in agriculture.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of progress in agriculture trade negotiations, the G-33 members reiterated their stance. India, notably, intends to abstain from discussions on agricultural issues during the WTO ministerial-level meeting until a permanent solution is reached concerning public stockholding for food security.
While certain WTO members have raised concerns about India’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme and recent export restrictions on commodities like rice, India asserts its obligation to safeguard the interests of its impoverished and vulnerable farmers, alongside ensuring domestic food security.
The G-33 also reaffirmed the entitlement of developing country members to the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) as a crucial tool against significant import surges or abrupt price declines. They urge WTO members to reach a decision on SSM adoption during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.
Additionally, the statement emphasized the importance of preserving special and differential treatment for developing nations within WTO agreements, with due consideration for non-trade concerns in agriculture trade negotiations.
The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the WTO is scheduled to take place from February 26 to 29, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Ministers from various countries will convene to assess the performance of the multilateral trading system and determine the future course of action for the WTO, under the chairmanship of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
