Why is it in the news?
MC14 ended without consensus due to disagreements over the e-commerce moratorium.
India raised concerns over misuse of transparency norms.
Category: International Relations
Important Points:
● WTO MC14 held in Yaoundé (Cameroon)
● No consensus due to North-South divide
● E-commerce moratorium (since 1998) lapsed
● Members can now impose duties on digital trade
● TRIPS safeguard on non-violation complaints lapsed
● India opposed Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)
● Demand for permanent solution on Public Stockholding (PSH)
● Dispute settlement system weak since 2019 (Appellate Body issue)
● Developed nations favour stricter transparency rules
● India warned against “weaponisation” of transparency norms