Draft MC13 dispute settlement reform text: WTO should accelerate talks

World Trade Organization negotiators should “accelerate” talks on dispute settlement reform to meet a goal of “convergence by 2024,” a draft ministerial decision for the 13th ministerial conference says, citing outstanding issues such as accessibility and the format of any appeal mechanism. A comprehensive dispute settlement reform package remains unlikely at MC13 despite some members’ campaign for it. The four-sentence draft decision would be a way for ministers to recognize the progress that has been accomplished in the informal discussions...