Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — BRICS countries have called for the immediate restoration of a fully functioning two-tier dispute settlement mechanism at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and expressed serious concern over the growing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures.
The position was set out in the New Delhi Declaration adopted following the 18th BRICS Summit.
According to the declaration, BRICS countries reaffirmed their unequivocal support for WTO reform and for strengthening a non-discriminatory, open, fair, transparent, predictable and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO playing a central role.
The countries stressed the importance of preserving fundamental principles, including most-favoured-nation treatment and special and differential treatment for developing countries, particularly least developed countries.
BRICS also reaffirmed its continued engagement in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, including discussions on WTO reform, and said it would strengthen coordination through the BRICS Informal Consultative Framework on issues undermining the organization’s effectiveness and authority.
BRICS leaders said they intend to ensure implementation of the outcomes of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference and continue constructive engagement to resolve outstanding issues. They also pledged to work towards enhancing the WTO’s authority, effectiveness, inclusiveness and relevance and building an open global economy.
The declaration highlighted the importance of finding appropriate ways to integrate plurilateral initiatives, including development-related initiatives, into the WTO legal framework, as well as developing forward-looking rules for the organization.
Particular attention was given to the crisis in the WTO dispute settlement system. BRICS countries strongly called for the immediate restoration of an accessible, effective and fully functioning two-tier binding dispute settlement mechanism as a basis for trust and predictability for all WTO members. They also called for the urgent appointment of new members to the Appellate Body.
BRICS leaders expressed firm support for the applications of Ethiopia and Iran to join the WTO. They also noted China’s efforts to extend zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
The declaration noted separately that the multilateral trading system has been at a crossroads for a prolonged period. According to BRICS countries, the spread of trade-restrictive measures that are inconsistent with WTO rules — including indiscriminate increases in tariff and non-tariff barriers and protectionism presented as environmental measures — risks further reducing global trade, disrupting global supply chains and increasing uncertainty in international economic and trade activity.
Such developments, the declaration said, could exacerbate existing economic inequalities and negatively affect prospects for global economic development.
BRICS countries expressed serious concern over the growing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade and contradict WTO rules. They said they intend to work jointly to strengthen the organization’s ability to respond to trade disruptions while taking into account the needs and priorities of emerging market and developing economies.
BRICS also opposed unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures that are inconsistent with international law, including carbon border adjustment mechanisms.
The declaration expressed concern that such measures undermine the efforts of countries, particularly developing nations, to address the effects of climate change and strengthen their adaptation capacity and resilience.
