India safeguards farmers and fishermen's interests at WTO, says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on March 1 spoke about India's successful navigation through crucial matters, ensuring the welfare of the nation's farmers and fishermen, during the 13th World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Goyal highlighted India's pivotal role at the WTO, emphasising its significance in establishing rules for international trade. He expressed India's commitment to the WTO's success, foreseeing its continued importance for less developed and developing countries. Goyal asserted India's role as a catalyst in uniting diverse nations to serve global trade interests.

Reflecting on the outcomes, Goyal stated, "We are pleased with the results achieved at the WTO. While we aimed for more, we ensured no compromise on the interests of our farmers and fishermen. We maintain full control over supporting them without any restrictions."

Regarding non-trade issues, Goyal pointed out the existence of separate bodies like the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address subjects such as investment, labour, and environment. He emphasised that the WTO, primarily a trade-focused organisation, should not encompass all issues.

Discussing the e-commerce moratorium, Goyal stressed the need for clarity on its scope and operation. He advocated for a two-year extension to facilitate a smooth transition period for businesses and governments to determine their future actions regarding taxes and operations within the e-commerce sector.