MPs to push for progress on trade negotiations in interest of peace and development

Geneva, 12 February 2015

The Parliamentary Conference on the WTO remains an important opportunity for MPs to interact with trade negotiators in a bid for greater transparency on global trade governance. ©Indonesian Parliament, 2013

MPs attending the annual Parliamentary Conference on the WTO in Geneva next week will press home the need for the Doha Round of trade negotiations to be concluded speedily in the interests of global peace and development.  The meeting on 16-17 February, jointly organized by IPU and the European Parliament, will discuss amongst other things how to keep multi-lateral trade negotiations on the right track and the importance of trade in ensuring peace and poverty eradication, particularly in least-developed countries (LDC).

The event, which brings together MPs who specialize in international trade issues in their respective countries, will also look at how consumers and young people can be better informed on the benefits of the WTO and its work.  A hearing will be held with WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo on why trade and trade negotiations matter. With the organization also celebrating its 20th anniversary year, the hearing will allow for reflections on how the organization has fared in the intervening years.  

As those responsible for ratifying and ensuring implementation of international agreements, including on trade, interaction between MPs and senior WTO officials and negotiators is critical for transparency and global trade governance. The annual conference provides MPs with an opportunity to gather first-hand information on developments in the Doha Round and to explore ways they can contribute to overcoming hurdles that are blocking its conclusion.  An outcome statement will be adopted by the MPs at the end of the conference. 

Full details on the event and a draft outcome statement can be found at http://www.ipu.org/splz-e/trade15.htm