How Can World Trade Organization Rules and Flexibilities Promote Food Security in Least Developed Countries?
Least developed countries (LDCs) need more investment in agriculture to increase their agricultural productivity and promote their food security. Existing World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and flexibilities on agricultural domestic support can help. New WTO rules and flexibilities can also help LDCs attract more private investment to increase their agricultural productivity and promote their food security.
-
LDCs need more investment in agriculture to increase their agricultural productivity and promote their food security.
-
WTO rules on agricultural domestic support provide policy space for LDCs to invest in their agricultural productivity.
-
New WTO rules and flexibilities on agricultural domestic support can help LDCs attract more private investment in agriculture to increase their agricultural productivity and promote their food security.
LDCs need more investment in agriculture to increase their agricultural productivity and promote their food security. Existing WTO rules and flexibilities on agricultural domestic support provide policy space for LDCs to increase public investment in agriculture under the Agreement on Agriculture's Article 6.2 (Development Box), the Green Box, and, subject to limits, the Amber Box.
New WTO rules and flexibilities on agricultural domestic support could help LDCs attract more private investment in agriculture by making agriculture in LDCs more profitable and attractive to potential investors. These can include commitments by developed and large developing country WTO members to reduce Amber Box trade-distorting domestic support to food and agricultural products of interest to LDCs (e.g., cotton, rice), either because they are exported or produced by them. Additionally, improving LDCs’ access to international agri-food markets can boost exports and incomes in these countries.
Participating experts
You might also be interested in
Adding Fuel to the Fire: How export restrictions can exacerbate climate change’s impacts on global food security
Higher temperatures will likely reduce agricultural yields and production in most countries, raising global food prices and worsening food security. Avoiding export restrictions is crucial.
Digital Trade and Global Data Governance
Neha Mishra explores the current landscape of international trade law and considers how to strike a balance between achieving trade goals and the imperative of privacy protection, fairness, and competition.
The AfCFTA Digital Protocol
Kholofelo Kugler examines how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol could enhance Africa's participation in the digital economy while also considering the challenges that remain.
Addressing the Environmental Footprint of E-Commerce
Shamika N. Sirimanne highlights the importance of assessing the environmental impacts of the rapidly growing e-commerce sector and examines the role stakeholders play in balancing economic growth with sustainability.