Africa must guard against new environment friendly trade rules that leave the continent in the poor position of exporting raw materials that developed nations use to manufacture green energy systems.
Joe Biden’s ‘buy American’ effort with EVs likely violated World Trade Organization rules that the US helped create. The US has an opportunity now to update the system – if it’s willing to take it.
Trade regulation by rich countries against pests and disease is gradually making its way into the less developed nations. On top of safer foods, new research shows this could also bring sustainable growth.
Developing nations can’t make COVID vaccines because some rich nations won’t support waiving patents. Unless Australia and others do more, the world will keep living with “grotesque” vaccination gaps.
Rising protectionism has the potential to have major negative effects on many European companies, yet firms have been largely absent from the public conversation. Why?
A waiver on some intellectual property rules at the WTO for COVID-19 vaccines would ensure more equitable access, but wouldn’t solve all the problems facing developing countries.
A formal resolution off Australia’s complaint about Chinese barley tariffs will likely take years. But at least it starts a structured process for dialogue.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will be better able to balance policies between the advanced economies and developing ones to achieve sustainable global economic growth and development.