WTO Must Facilitate Critical Technology Transfer To Developing Nations: Brazil FM

Brazil has taken a proactive stance at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the critical need for liberalising trade and facilitating the transfer of essential technologies to developing nations. This initiative, as highlighted by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, aims at bolstering pandemic preparedness, climate mitigation, and energy transition efforts. Vieira's remarks underscore Brazil's commitment to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), addressing inequalities, and fostering economic growth through technological advancement.

The Brazilian Foreign Minister lauded the UAE for its exemplary organization of the MC13 and expressed Brazil's support for the conference's success. The collaboration between Brazil and the UAE extends beyond the WTO, with both nations having worked closely during the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai. With Brazil set to host COP30 in 2025, the exchange of information and experiences with the UAE is anticipated to contribute significantly to its success. Vieira also highlighted the flourishing trade and economic partnership between Brazil and the UAE, further cemented by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula's visit to Abu Dhabi in April 2023.

During his interview, Minister Vieira shared insights from the recent G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where there was a unanimous call for WTO reforms. The proposed reforms aim to establish a rules-based trading system with a robust dispute settlement mechanism. For Brazil, a developing nation, these reforms are crucial for integrating sustainable development into the WTO's agenda across environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Key Priorities at MC13

At MC13, Brazil is championing significant progress in agriculture by advocating for instructions to cap and reduce trade-distorting agriculture subsidies. Such subsidies undermine global food security and disproportionately affect developing countries. Additionally, Brazil is committed to negotiations on fisheries subsidies, aiming for an agreement that addresses subsidies promoting large-scale industrial fishing while protecting the interests of developing nations and their artisanal fishing communities. Furthermore, Brazil seeks greater policy flexibility for developing countries in industrial development to ensure equitable growth.

In summary, Brazil's active participation in MC13 reflects its dedication to fostering global trade liberalisation and technological transfer to support sustainable development. Through its collaboration with international partners like the UAE and advocacy for WTO reforms, Brazil aims to create a more inclusive and equitable global trading system.

With inputs from WAM