WTO reform push: India flags dysfunctional dispute system at MC14, seeks review of e-commerce duty moratorium India urged members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to restore a fully functional dispute settlement system during the 14th ministerial conference (MC14) in Yaounde, Cameroon, emphasizing that the current mechanism has failed to provide effective redressal for member countries. Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the need to revive the automatic and binding nature of dispute resolution within the WTO, stating that the dysfunction in the system has deprived nations of critical legal recourse. Speaking on the opening day of the conference, Goyal called for urgent action to address the crisis, stressing that the dispute settlement mechanism is a cornerstone of the organization’s credibility. The WTO’s dispute settlement system has been inoperable since 2009, when the United States blocked the appointment of new members to the Appellate Body, a key judicial body within the organization. Goyal’s remarks underscored the broader concerns about the WTO’s ability to enforce trade rules and resolve conflicts among member states. He also called for a reassessment of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, which has been extended periodically since 1998. India has consistently raised concerns about the potential revenue implications of the arrangement, arguing that the lack of a unified understanding among members on the scope of the moratorium warrants careful reconsideration. The four-day MC14, set to conclude on March 29, has seen discussions on broader WTO reforms, with Goyal emphasizing that any restructuring must be transparent, inclusive, and driven by member priorities.#india #piyush_goyal #world_trade_organization #mc14 #appellate_body
