US and India Hesitant on WTO Reform Ahead of Conference

The United States and India are currently holding back on a reform plan for the World Trade Organization (WTO), despite significant support from other major members. The discussions are set to take place during the WTO's ministerial conference from March 26-29 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Petter Olberg, Norway's ambassador to the WTO, is facilitating the reform talks, which aim to address structural geopolitical obstacles that have hindered global trade for years. The reform plan, which has been under discussion for nine months, has not yet been finalized, and its draft is still unpublished.

The plan includes three main components: the possibility of plurilateral negotiations, benefits for developing countries, and transparency in compliance with trade measures. However, the United States and India have expressed reluctance to endorse the reform, which has created uncertainty regarding its finalization.

The WTO has faced significant challenges, including a paralyzed dispute resolution mechanism since December 2019, further complicating the reform efforts.