WTO warns of existing protectionism risks
(VOVWORLD) - The director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned that "the threat of protectionism remains present" and insisted that "trade and technology are solutions" to global development.
Roberto Azevedo made the remarks to the press at the WTO's 11th Ministerial Conference on Sunday in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires. He revealed that debates during the conference would revolve around "agriculture, services, and fishing subsidies."
The Conference, officially held from Monday to Wednesday, brings together more than 4000 delegates from 164 WTO member countries to make decisions on the rules of global trade.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh led a Vietnamese delegation to the event.
The conference is focusing on 5 key topics: food security, agricultural development, fisheries’ subsidies, e-transactions, and taxes for industrial goods. It’s also expected to discuss measures to support small and medium enterprises, attract investment, boost trade, and protect the environment, as well as suggestions for the early completion of the Doha negotiating round which has previously postponed.