G-33 Urges Meaningful Outcome in Abu Dhabi Agri Negotiations

As the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has commenced in Abu Dhabi, the G-33 consortium, which includes India among its members, has issued a call to action. Their primary objective is to secure a resolution on public stockholding aimed at ensuring food security. Representing 47 developing and least developed nations, the G-33 underscores the importance of fostering a trading environment grounded in principles of fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination.

Ahead of the 13th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) commencing in Abu Dhabi on Monday, the G-33 group of countries, including India, has called upon members to prioritize achieving an outcome on public stockholding for food security purposes.

Ministers and representatives of the G-33 members convened yesterday in the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the four-day Ministerial Conference (MC), urging all WTO Members to engage constructively towards a meaningful outcome on agriculture. The G-33, comprising 47 developing and least developed countries (LDCs) and Net Food Importing Developing Countries (NFIDCs), issued a joint statement on February 25, following a meeting coordinated by Indonesia.

The G-33 co-sponsoring members of the Proposal JOB/AG/229 emphasized the necessity for all Members to exert concerted efforts to agree and adopt a permanent solution on the issue. They reiterated the importance of Proposal JOB/AG/229, submitted with the African Group and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group, inviting other Members to engage constructively with its elements as a basis for achieving an outcome on public stockholding for food security purposes in the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.

Acknowledging the collective responsibility of all WTO Members to address contemporary challenges facing the multilateral trading system, the G-33 emphasized the imperative of a rules-based, non-discriminatory, and transparent trading environment. They lauded the United Arab Emirates for hosting the conference and urged all WTO Members to participate constructively in achieving a meaningful outcome on agriculture.

Expressing profound concern over the projected increase in hunger and undernourishment, particularly in Africa, the G-33 underscored the urgency of tackling food security challenges. They deplored the lack of progress in agriculture trade negotiations and emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust between Members to uphold the credibility of the WTO.

In conclusion, the G-33’s call for action highlights the pressing need to address food security concerns through collaborative efforts within the WTO framework. As discussions unfold at the Ministerial Conference, the hope is for meaningful outcomes that advance the interests of all Member States, particularly those most vulnerable to food insecurity.