ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

Articles by Faizel IsmailSubscribe to Faizel Ismail

Narratives and Myths in the WTO Doha Round

The World Trade Organisation's Doha round of negotiations has been at an impasse since December 2008. Several academics and opinion-makers have recently argued that the Doha round is "dead". This article discusses the US narrative on the reasons for the impasse and the way forward. It contrasts this narrative with that of the major developing country alliances in the wto and considers some underlying causes for the current impasse. The us narrative that the Doha round is dead is not supported by the majority of the WTO's members and whilst a settlement is not likely in the near future, there is no viable alternative to concluding the Doha round on its current development mandate.

WTO : July Package from a Development Perspective

In order to deliver a successful outcome of the Doha Round, WTO members need to develop a work programme and set new deadlines for several issues. It also needs to be ensured that areas of the Doha Development Agenda that were not part of the 'July package' gain fresh momentum. Active involvement of several groups of participants will be needed to ensure that the move towards a balanced, multilateral trading system prevails over the interests of protectionist lobbies.

Back to Top