Re: WTO Changes.
Originally Posted by
Bread
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The thing is ....
I hope Fox gets the top job, its about time the WTO actually did something in favour of new trading initiatives, updates to the rules and a fresh set of eyes looking for opportunities.
I don't see Hogan or Mandelson as visionaries ...
I doubt there will be much enthusiasm for the job, considering you will be up against trump.
The WTO has consistently been attacked by Mr Trump’s administration, which has strongly criticised its over-reach and blamed it for allowing China to practise unfair trade. The appellate body, the highest authority in the organisation's dispute settlement process, ceased to function late last year after the US blocked the appointment of new judges to replace two who retired.
Under Mr Azevêdo, the organisation has deliberately kept a low profile during the coronavirus pandemic, staying largely silent over the global rash of export restrictions on medical equipment. Citing its lack of authority in the area, the organisation has declined to intervene publicly. The blocks on exports have set off a global procurement scramble and further increased trade tensions.* Despite this, there has been growing disgruntlement on Capitol Hill in recent weeks, with two separate pieces of legislation*calling for the US to withdraw from the WTO. Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers have argued that coronavirus has exposed the need to protect US sovereignty, which they see as being damaged by the loss of US manufacturing capability to China.*
https://www.ft.com/content/3cc4df3d-...4-ce063d0cd9b8