March 1, 2024
2 mins read

Thailand Softens Stance on Rice Dispute, Replaces WTO Envoy

India objects to Thai WTO remarks on subsidized rice…reports Asian Lite News

Thailand has replaced its Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Pimchanok Vonkorpon Pitfield, after strong objections by India to her remarks on New Delhi’s rice procurement programme.

As per sources, India lodged a protest over remarks by the Thai envoy to WTO where she accused India of using subsidised rice procured for public distribution systems to capture the export market.

“The Thai Ambassador has been replaced. She has ridiculed India’s public stockholding programme,” according to the source.

It has been also been learnt that Pitfield will be replaced by Thailand’s Foreign Secretary.

India has been seeking a solution to the issue of subsidy caps, calculated on prices fixed at the 1986-88 level, as it has breached the ceiling of 10 per cent of the value of production as the permitted level of support for procurement for its food programme.

As per the source, the facts of the Thai envoy to WTO were incorrect as she accused New Delhi of exporting 40 per cent of the rice procured for PDS.

Ministers and delegates from across the world gathered in Abu Dhabi for World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting that began on February 26, to discuss and deliberate upon global trade rules.

At the ongoing 13th ministerial conference of the WTO, India stressed that all policy options should be available for the WTO members to pursue for promoting digital industrialisation.

According to a Ministry of Commerce and Industry press release, India stressed that currently, a few firms based in developed countries dominate the global landscape of e-commerce.

India explained that there was a huge digital chasm between developed and developing countries, which makes it challenging to increase the participation of developing countries in global e-commerce.

Meanwhile, the closing session of WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) was extended to 5 pm (local time) on Friday, March 1. WTO Spokeswoman Ismaila Dieng said that the ministers continue to hold discussions on a package of agreements for adoption at MC13.

WTO, a global watchdog founded about three decades ago, now has 166 member countries, including India. This year, Timor-Leste and Comoros have been added as members of the WTO. The WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) was held in Switzerland’s Geneva from June 12-17, 2022. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Bill Gates Pins Hopes on Indian Innovators

Previous Story

Musk sues OpenAI

Next Story

India Powers Isolated Sri Lankan Islands

Latest from -Top News

Pentagon takes stake in rare earth firm

This partnership aims to enhance the US’s strategic independence in critical minerals, which are essential for both defense and commercial applications In a significant move to bolster domestic rare earth production, MP

UK Leaders Slam Bangladesh Interim Rule

UK Leaders Urge Starmer to Act Against Bangladesh Interim Regime…reports Asian Lite News Several prominent UK politicians — including current and former lawmakers — along with human rights advocates and religious community

Trump turns the screws on Powell

White House steps up criticism of Fed chief Jerome Powell as fight over interest rates spills into building upgrades….reports Asian Lite News In a striking escalation of his campaign to influence the

Masdar powers ahead in UK

€15 billion clean energy alliance powers ahead with East Anglia THREE investment and Baltic Eagle energisation….reports Asian Lite News Masdar, the UAE-based global clean energy powerhouse, and Iberdrola, one of the world’s

Indian Doctor Gets Top Sharjah Award

The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. In a moment of immense pride for the Indian diaspora, renowned paediatrician-turned-entrepreneur Dr.
Go toTop

Don't Miss

CJI Ramana ready to go the extra mile for common people

Whether it is a courtroom or a podium at a

Philippines President Thanks Indian Navy for Rescue Efforts

The comments were conveyed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar,