World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevêdo told a meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on 9 February that a number of trade issues of interest to India’s economy were under discussion at the WTO, ahead of the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires this December.
He drew attention to discussions on agriculture issues and the facilitation of services trade, where India has been playing a leading role in discussions in Geneva, and pledged his support to help advance this work. During his visit the Director-General met with Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as well as representatives from the private sector and experts across a range of sectors, including agriculture.
Quoting the words of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of independence about India being “on the verge of bold advance”, the Director-General said: “I am here this week to listen to India’s priorities and concerns, and see how the WTO can help. India is a very active WTO member — and a strong supporter of multilateralism on the global stage. Working together, I am sure that we can continue paving the way for India’s bold advance.” – WTO
