Preview of WTO activities in the week starting Monday 25 July

The final working week of July, starting 25 July, will see a spurt of activity at the World Trade Organisation as members try to reach as much agreement as possible on a number of issues.

Hopes that key decisions will be taken on agriculture and non-agriculture market access (NAMA) have been dimmed by the lack of ability so far to reach agreement on a range of issues, especially market access in agriculture and a formula on NAMA.

Starting on Thursday (21 July) night, a small group of 12 to 14 members have been meeting outside the WTO building to try to agree on a tariff-reduction formula. The meeting also continued on Friday and is expected to also meet on Saturday and Monday..

Chaired by the agriculture special session Chairman, Tim Grosser, the meeting participants include the FIPS (five interested parties)