New Delhi, Dec 14 (KNN) The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC) ended today in Buenos Aires without a Ministerial Declaration, also issues that were proposed for consideration such as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) couldn’t be taken ahead because of lack of mandate.

India in its statement said that decisions were expected on a permanent solution on food security and other agriculture related issues. However due to the strong position of one member against agricultural reform based on current WTO mandates and rules, it wasn’t executed as expected.

Other decisions taken during the meeting included a Work Programme on disciplines on Fisheries Subsidies with a view to arriving at a decision by MC12.

Also during the meeting, the delegation decided to continue with the non-negotiating mandate of the existing Work Programme on E-commerce.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a release said that due to lack of mandate, ministerial decisions on new issues like Investment Facilitation, MSMEs, gender and trade, were not taken forward.

Earlier keeping India’s stance, Suresh Prabhu with reference to the MSMEs said that issues including the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) should be kept out of the agenda of the WTO saying that it might curtail the country’s space for policy making. (KNN/ DA)