Wars, Elections Complicate WTO Deal-Making

The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) warned that striking deals at a major ministerial meeting later this month could be challenging due to upcoming elections, recessions, and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as reported by Emma Farge for Reuters.

Okonjo-Iweala expressed optimism about potential outcomes, including progress on reducing fishing subsidies, which contribute to overfishing and outlining a roadmap for agricultural talks. I Photo: Overseas Development Institute Flickr

Trade ministers will convene in Abu Dhabi from February 26-29 to negotiate global trade agreements, including reforms to the WTO's dispute resolution system and reductions in fishing subsidies.

"It's going to be a bit tough because the conference is taking place amidst challenging circumstances," WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told reporters in Geneva, noting significant gaps in negotiating positions.

"We are facing numerous economic and political headwinds. Understandably, it won't be easy."

Nevertheless, Okonjo-Iweala expressed optimism about potential outcomes, including progress on reducing fishing subsidies, which contribute to overfishing and outlining a roadmap for agricultural talks.

She highlighted the influence of multiple elections this year, including the November election in the United States, noting that elections can impact negotiation dynamics.

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