Business as Usual at WTO

Alina Anghel

The WTO has been unaffected by the current crisis that the WHO and Security Council are currently faced with. The same power relations exist at the WTO as yesterday's discussion. Malaysia is still taking the lead in what seems as one co-operative resolution paper being drafted for all. The Brazil and Malaysia partnership in creating this resolution is strong. Russia is still against the resolution, though they have already made concessions to the European Union after negotiations with France for a mutual agreement to lower tariffs on machinery and gas.

Brazil calls for input from countries in the room that are suffering from the economic crisis in undeveloped countries. They have become a voice for the underdeveloped nations that need a longer time frame to recover from the economic crisis. Yet noone takes the bait, and allows Brazil and Malaysia to dominate the negotiations. After conducting interviews, all countries are on board with the draft resolution. India, China, Saudi Arabia, and many more countries agree with the draft plan. Argentina has said "everyone is in the same boat."

Russia though continues to block the discussion, feeling the draft accomplishes very little. Though the United State has said they support the draft, and find it quiet flexible Japan has said they are holding up discussion stating they are only concerned with their 'self-interest'.

The plan divides nations into four categories, the developed nations, developing nations, least developed and transitional nations. Depending on which category, plans will be allowed different tarrif rates and the resolution aims to limit protectionist actions. Little disagreement other wise is being experienced, and co-operation and collaboration is working just find at the WTO. Other than dicussion on their concensus that co-operation is important, little controversy is ensuing. The plan has just been voted into existence.