The WTO must open its door to new issues now

Abstract

Despite progress on Doha Development Agenda (DDA) in Nairobi in December 2015, it is a pity that WTO members failed to come to a decision on whether the WTO should start to look at some new issues, such as investment, competition or digital economy. During the reflection process in 2016 on the future of the WTO including negotiations, it is important that members begin to brainstorm how to deal with these new issues so as to respond to the needs of 21st century trade and investment reality. They should try to answer questions such as: what new issues could be brought in? what form could future WTO negotiations take? how could plurilateral negotiations be incorporated with the WTO? what role should major developing countries play? Given its positive attitude on new issues and its important role as a trade and investment power, including as the host of G20 in 2016, China may play a leadership role in helping push the WTO to start at least discussing some new issues.