WTO AT BALI: Multilateralism versus Regionalism in Trade
Economic Times, December 23, 2013

By Pradeep S Mehta

India’s food security concerns are addressed. The US was recalcitrant. It has little appetite for the DDA and has, therefore, been pursuing two mega regional deals. The US wanted the accord on trade facilitation badly. However, trade facilitation is a win-win deal and has been welcomed by all. This deal is expected to generate about US$1tn gain to all countries, of which most will accrue to the developing world. In the end, multilateralism stood its ground, and that is the best way forward for all countries. The scene will now shift to Geneva, where negotiators will work out the nuts and bolts of what they have agreed at Bali, and tackle the unfinished agenda of the DDA over 2014 and beyond. More...

Ending Bali on a high
The Hindu Business Line, December 17, 2013

By Pradeep S Mehta and Bipul Chatterjee

After months of intense negotiations in Geneva culminating in a ministerial conference, trade ministers finally delivered the Bali package. As India’s Commerce Minister, Anand Sharma, said: “A historic day for the WTO. India’s food security concerns are addressed.” Despite intense political pressure, India stood its ground and helped the global trade community deliver a ‘balanced’ package incorporating a number of development issues. It was a deal limited to three specific issues of the Doha development agenda, being negotiated since 2001. More...