An African Group Perspective on the WTO Negotiations: Progress in 2012 and Looking Ahead to MC9 in 2013

Abstract

This article provides, from an African Group perspective, a succinct update on the technical areas of the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations since the political guidance issued by the Eight Ministerial Conference (MC8). Finally, the article looks ahead to Ninth Ministerial Conference (MC9) in 2013 and efforts to arrive at an 'early harvest package' that might include trade facilitation, special and differential treatment (S&D) and some other elements. These efforts should be preceded by an 'early harvest framework' that includes certain safeguards and guarantees.