Punke Reiterates Azevêdo's Comments on Lack of TFA Movement
U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization Michael Punke backed up statements made by the head of the WTO on Oct. 16, saying there are no indications that those members that oppose implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement are willing to reverse course. Also at the Trade Negotiating Committee meeting, Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said the TFA collapse may lead to an existential crisis for the WTO (see 1410160024).
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Punke said India would continue to be safeguarded from agricultural subsidy challenges at the WTO until members strike a long-term agreement on food security measures, but that overture so far seems insufficient to bring India on board. India led a small coalition that derailed implementation of the agreement in late July. U.S. officials insist that country is not making public what it specifically wants in exchange for supporting the facilitation agreement (see 14100624).
Despite that impasse, Punke said many countries are still coming forward with their implementation needs. "If there is one sliver of brightness over the past two months, it is the large number of developing countries that have moved forward to submit their Category A notifications under the TFA,” said Punke. “As of today, 48 developing countries have demonstrated the seriousness with which they take their obligations, even in the face of uncertainty created by others. These Members have sent a strong signal to donors and to investors.” The TFA, brokered as part of the December 2013 Bali package, outlined three categories that developing countries can choose in accordance with what assistance they need from donor members (see 13120922).