World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala responded to questions from MEPs on the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) on Thursday, 20 May. They conveyed their expectations and questions on three main topics: the international dispute on fisheries subsidies, trade and health issues, and the environment.
Fisheries subsidies
Many MEPs were concerned about the results on international fisheries issues. They are particularly concerned about China’s contribution to these discussions. “Do you believe that other countries are prepared to conclude an agreement on this? [...] Is [China] ready to decrease those subsidies to be able to reduce its fleet?” asked Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Renew Europe, France).
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala reaffirmed her commitment to achieving results during the 12th Ministerial Conference. She was optimistic with regard to an agreement. “[W]e now have a text which, I think, can work”, she indicated. A meeting on this subject at the WTO is scheduled for mid-July so as to reach an agreement.
Trade and health
INTA committee members reiterated their position on patent waivers for Covid-19 vaccines and asked the director-general for clarification.
The European Commission also announced on 19 May that it will submit a proposal to the WTO to address the equitable distribution of vaccines (see EUROPE 12722/8).
Trade and environment
MEPs asked Mrs Okonjo-Iweala about her vision for the work that can be done at the WTO on the environment. The carbon border adjustment mechanism, support for “green” products, and the fight against plastic [pollution] were discussed.
The director-general did not go into detail on these subjects but felt that time was needed to reach more concrete agreements. “We are hoping these members that, by MC12, they’ll have some kind of ministerial statement or declaration”, she indicated. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)