Why Has the Doha round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Gatt) Been Inconclusive

The Doha Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) has been going on for almost two decades now, yet there has been little progress made. So, what is the reason behind this lack of success, and why has the Doha Round been inconclusive so far?

One of the main reasons for the inconclusive nature of the Doha Round is the complexity of the issues being discussed. The round covers a broad range of topics, including agriculture, services, intellectual property, and non-tariff barriers, to name just a few. Each of these topics is incredibly complex and requires careful consideration to ensure that any agreement reached is both fair and effective.

Another significant roadblock to progress in the Doha Round has been the differing priorities and goals of the participating countries. Developing countries, for example, have been calling for a reduction in tariffs and subsidies in developed countries, while developed countries have been pushing for more protection for their own industries and intellectual property. These divergent goals have made it difficult to find common ground and reach an agreement that satisfies all parties.

Additionally, the rise of protectionist sentiment in many countries has made it even more challenging to find a way forward. In a time when many people are worried about job losses and economic instability, governments have been under increasing pressure to protect their own industries and workers. This has led to more protectionist policies, which make it even more difficult to reach a global agreement that benefits everyone.

Another significant factor is the lack of trust between the participating countries. Historically, countries have been wary of opening up their markets to foreign competition, fearing that their own industries and workers will suffer. This mistrust has made it difficult to build the kind of relationships and coalitions necessary to reach a successful agreement.

Finally, the sheer length of time that the Doha Round has been going on has also played a role in its inconclusive nature. Over the years, the round has lost momentum, with many countries losing interest in the process altogether. As a result, progress has been slow, and there is a real risk that the round may never be completed.

In conclusion, the Doha Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) has been inconclusive for a variety of reasons. The complex nature of the issues being discussed, differing priorities and goals of participating countries, the rise of protectionist sentiment, lack of trust between countries, and length of time the process has been ongoing have all contributed to the lack of progress. While it is difficult to predict what the future holds for the Doha Round, it is clear that finding a way forward will require a renewed commitment from all parties involved.