Trade experts and bureaucrats, who have for long questioned the efficacy of the negotiation process at ministerial conferences organised by the World Trade Organization (WTO), might have found a new backer.
On a recent visit to India, Roberto Azevedo (pictured), the director general of the WTO, admitted that the last such multilateral conference arranged in Nairobi was “a disaster”. Azevedo said countries didn’t do their homework, leaving all discussions for the final few days of the conference. Sounding exasperated, he warned this might be repeated at another ministerial meet slated for the end of the year, if nations continued to play truant at the negotiations table.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%