WTO: Boon or Bane for
Pakistani farmers
Being oblivious of the ignorance of the Pakistani farmers
about the pros and cons of the rules coming into force from January 1, 2005, quite a number of
non-governmental organizations in this country are taking the
upcoming rules as something equivalent to neo-colonialism.
The issues relating unlimited access to the multinationals and
non-competitive conditions for the Pakistani growers are the
main woes being orchestrated. |
Welcome
to the WTO website
WTO issues farm draft paper to develop consensus
The World Trade
Organisation (WTO) on Monday issued a draft text on
agriculture to start a process to provoke comments from
member countries on where consensus might be achieved for
concluding the Doha Development Round by end of the current
calendar year.
May
2007
Govt not prepare cottage industry to meet WTO standards
MULTAN: The small and
medium enterprises and cottage industry has complained that
the government policies have been reflecting lesser
interests to introduce WTO standards after unilaterally
singing the regimes conditions and bounding the SMEs to
follow the footsteps, it is learnt.
March
2007
Proposals at WTO to hit local farmers
PAKISTAN recent
proposal at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) can hit
agriculture and especially the farmers. It has made up its
mind to relax its position on Special Products (SPs) in
future negotiations on Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) as
compared to current position of the G33.
Februray
2007
Losers and winners under WTO regime
Globalisation has
varying repercussions in terms of pro-poor and anti-poor
growth. Under the WTO regime, the degree of trade
liberalisation is different in different countries. So, in
order to understand how trade liberalisation affects the
poor, requires both macro- and micro-level analysis.
November
2006
Optimum
cropping pattern under WTO
AGRICULTURE directly or
indirectly sustains 67.5 per cent of the population and
engages 42 per cent of the labour force.
May
2006
Finding
access to WTO?s tough regime
FIGHTING our way into
the tough world of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a
tremendous task. While it is full of opportunities for our
industry, business and exports, the challenges are formidable.
October
2005
WTO and
its impact on the economy
AMERICA in 1930 enacted
the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. It was meant to reduce
imports and stimulate domestic production. Retaliation with
equal high tariffs by afflicted nations took place leading
to a tariff war.
August
2005
G-20 for ending
farm subsidy
The two-day (March 18 and 19) WTO moot of G-20 countries
in New Delhi has demanded a time frame from the rich
countries to end subsidies to their farmers and terminate
price distorting export practices to bring equity between
the developed and developing nations.
March 2005
Cotton has comparative advantage in WTO regime
The importance of cotton can hardly be over emphasized in
the economy of Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the ancient
homes of cultivated cotton, 4th largest producer of cotton ,
the 3rd largest exporter of raw cotton and a leading
exporter of yarn in the world.
November 2004
WTO farm
accord unlikely before 2006
Ever since July framework agreement approved by the
General Council of the World Trade Organization, an eerie
atmosphere marked by confusion, uncertainty and anxiety
prevails in its secretariat.
November 2004
The
deal on agriculture: hopes and fears
The recent WTO deal at Geneva whereby the rich developed
countries have agreed to eliminate export subsidies and
drastically reduce domestic subsidies given to their farm
sector is being put to varying interpretations.
September 2004
Textiles and clothing in the WTO regime
For pragmatic policy formulation in the textile and clothing
sector, it is important to peep into the trade history of the
world, particularly the year 1945.
September 2004
WTO and
Pakistani citrus exports
Citrus are the largest produced fruits in Pakistan. The
country produces about 8 per cent of world production, with
only 0.5 per cent share in the international trade.
September 2004
Geneva accord:
WTO still remains a question mark
The WTO regime has come a long way: from Marrakesh, where it
started in 1994 to Geneva, 2004, where a semblance of
meaningfulness and understanding was reached.
August 2004
Alien species' threat after the regime of WTO
Agriculture, as is known contributes 25 per cent to our GDP,
provides employment to about 47 per cent of the workforce, and
contributes, directly or indirectly, 65 per cent to export
earnings.
August 2004
Farm
subsidies slashed in WTO deal
After five days of wrangling, the World Trade Organization's
147 member states formally agreed a framework on Sunday,
laying down guidelines for the organization's Doha Round,
which has been in trouble since the acrimonious collapse of a
ministerial conference last September in Cancun, Mexico.
August 2004
WTO Agreement on Agriculture
The negotiations have resulted in four main portions of the
Agreement; the Agreement on Agriculture itself; the
concessions.
First WTO eTraining
Course for government officials
The new WTO eTraining program will offer its first on-line
course for government officials from developing countries from
June 21 to July 30, 2004.
W.T.O. Rules
Against U.S. on Cotton Subsidies
Brazil won a preliminary ruling at the World Trade
Organization on Monday night that could force the United
States to lower the subsidies it pays farmers to grow cotton
and, eventually, most subsidized crops.
WTO
challenges and agriculture sector
Pakistan is an agricultural country. Therefore, the ensuing
WTO challenges have sparked heated debates among various
circles. A sub-set of four WTO agreements specifically deals
with agricultural issues.
What the WTO holds
in store
As much of the developing world takes up the issue of opposing
the World Trade Organization, there are many in Pakistan who
have been swept up in the anti-WTO sentiment that prevails.
WTO - role of
the provinces
First, a few words on the bed linen anti-dumping duty imposed
by EU. The industry is blaming the government for mishandling
the case.
WTO era to attract influx of Indian goods
WTO regulations coming in force in the year 2005 would further attract the influx of Indian goods, if proper remedial and safeguard measures were not adopted.
IC calls for national policy
to face WTO
The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has
called for a national policy to face the challenges of WTO
regime particular in the 'agriculture industry'.
WTO talks hit agriculture
deadlock
Ministers from more than 20 countries failed to bridge bitter divisions on key agricultural trade reform on Saturday, sending a WTO blueprint back to the drawing board as thousands of farmers held noisy protests.
Agriculture sector's promotion vital
Agriculture sector in the country needs to be promoted and
strengthened to meet the forthcoming challenges of WTO.
EU proposal for WTO on agriculture goes
The European Commission's ambitious proposals for the WTO
negotiations on agriculture were unanimously supported by
Member States in the General Affairs Council. The EU proposal
now goes to Geneva, a message issued by the EC office here
said.
WTO challenges can be met by enhancing
Pakistan can meet the challenges posed by World Trade Organisation (WTO) by enhancing technical capability.
EU Commission faces hitch with WTO
The European Commission presented its plans to EU states on Friday for tariff and farm support cuts as part of world trade talks, but failed to get approval, officials said.
Provisions of WTO accords on
Agri
The Standing Committee on Agreement on Agriculture met on Friday under the chairmanship of Dr Abdul
Salam. The committee examined the provisions of WTO agreements on agriculture for implementation; to evaluate the present tariffs/non-tariff commitments on agreements on agriculture.
Question of removing official price
The Steering Committee of five non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) on Monday decided to send the Ministry of Food and
Agriculture a set of proposals by January 10 on how to protect
interest of the farmers once the WTO regime is implemented.
NGOs
send proposals to ministry
The Steering Committee of five non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) on Monday decided to send the Ministry of Food and
Agriculture a set of proposals by January 10 on how to protect
interest of the farmers once the WTO regime is implemented.
WTO negotiations on agriculture
The European Commission has proposed cut in import tariffs by 36 percent, export subsidies by 45 percent and reduction in trade distorting domestic farm support by more than half (55 percent), providing there is fair burden sharing from other developed countries in particular.
China agrees to WTO talks over steel
China has agreed to bilateral talks with Taiwan over a steel dispute under the auspices of the WTO, a government official said on Thursday, a move that would end a three-year freeze on dialogue and could lead to expanded commercial ties.
New effort to break deadlock at WTO drugs talks
World Trade Organisation (WTO) states resumed efforts on Sunday to break a deadlock over cheap medicines for poorer countries, but officials saw no quick fix for a dispute souring the mood at global trade talks.
Need for a proactive Southern Agenda
The lack of agreement on common goals for trade liberalisation has resulted in a deadlock. To move forward, one needs to be free from all biases--for or against--to explore the options and look into the issues, which have emerged with the new trading regime.
Sugar Mills to form 'WTO committee'
Chairman, Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), Punjab Zone, Javed Kayani has said that formation of WTO committee at the PSMA platform is under way so the millers could meet the emerging challenges.
Call to make a comprehensive plan
All the government departments/agencies, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies should quickly realign to make a comprehensive plan to cope with the challenges of WTO to be enforced from January 2005.
First half 2003 critical for Russian entry to WTO
Russia could gain entry to the World Trade Organisation by the end of 2004, earlier than previously thought, if significant progress in economic and legal reforms are made in the first six months of next year, a senior WTO official said on Friday.
Commerce minister asks businessmen to get ready
Federal Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood has asked the businessmen to prepare themselves to face the challenges of the post-WTO regime.
Government, private sector, other stakeholders
The Consultant to the Ministry of Commerce, Dr Tariq Banauri, has reminded the government, the private sector and other non-government stakeholders on trade policy of the WTO obligations regarding environment and sustainable development.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association sets up WTO cell
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has established 'WTO Cell' headed by Abid Farooq at its zonal office in the provincial metropolis.
Foreign firms laud Chinese WTO reform, want more
China scores high marks for keeping its WTO promises so far, but endemic problems like hazy rules and disregard for intellectual property will take years to resolve, executives at a forum on WTO affairs said on Wednesday.
Businessmen urged to understand WTO rules
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Acting Chief, Pervaiz Anwar Sheikh has stressed the need for educating the business community and government officials towards genuine adoption, re-orientation and sincere understanding of the issues for meaningful survival of the national economy in the new set of WTO rules.
WTO aides raise concerns about regional trade pacts
With countries around the globe in a mad dash to negotiate as many trade pacts as they can, top World Trade Organisation officials are urging them to stop and consider the consequences.
WTO trade reform could boost Australia
An end to export and production subsidies for beef would dramatically swing industry growth to the southern hemisphere, the natural home for the industry, a key Australian industry official said on Tuesday.
Need stressed to evolve strategy to face WTO laws
If Pakistan government really wants to get free its economy from the Western clutches then it must evolve a compact and comprehensive strategy to combat the consequences of stiff laws to be imposed by WTO from the year 2004, suggested by Central Chairman, Pakistan Business Forum, Mian Tanweer Ahmed Magoon on Wednesday.
European Union trade chief to press Russia on WTO
World trade can still expand by on
percent
Seminars on WTO regime from October 21
World Bank,
WTO setting up fund to help
Agri. minister calls for improving farm output
EU
defends sugar policy in face of WTO
Canada appeals WTO decision on its dairy exports
US WTO farm trade goals unrealistic: Japan
US business group cites Chinese WTO shortcomings
Businessmen
ready for World Trade Organization challenges
WTO rules against US on anti-dumping payments law
US gets WTO panel on EU steel counter-measures
China
says not dragging feet on WTO promises
'Like-minded' ministers to meet in Geneva on September 20
US business group
sees gaps in
Chinese WTO
Faisalabad Chamber seminar on WTO
Thailand economist Supachai brings quiet skills to WTO
Europe hails WTO $4 billion ruling against US on tax breaks
Seminar
on Implications of WTO
Footwear
to get full protection under WTO laws: Commerce Minister
Dr.
Manzoor posted envoy to WTO Geneva
European
Commission still waits for WTO ruling in US tax break now
WTO
agreement pushing farmers into crisis
PNAC
workshop for journalists on August 21
Need
for learning WTO subjects stressed
Trip
seminar on August 31
Immense
efforts needed to meet WTO challenges
Australia
joins WTO sugar action against European Union
India
eatery firm embraces WTO norm in global push
ECO
members can face WTO challenges unitedly: Pakistan
Globalization and the World Trade Organization
The International Forum on Globalization
Friends
of the Earth - World Trade Organization
WTO: critical issues for Pakistan's agriculture and textile
industry
AOA to hit poor farmers
WTO
successor to gatt:
WTO Rules Against U.S.'s Quota on Yarn From
Pakistan in Latest Textiles Setback
Agriculture and Food Impacts of WTO rules
