Disagreeing to Talk Developing countries oppose using a draft WTO text on agriculture as a basis for further negotiation, despite the fact it is merely a discussion document. By contrast, Australia, the U.S., EU, Switzerland, and Cairns group acknowledge its imperfections and have agreed to discuss amending it. The rationale for opposition is clear – just like the legal theory that possession is nine-tenths of the law, it is easier to defend and thus more difficult to amend words that are already on paper. The reason that the draft text is more acceptable to the rich countries is two-fold: 1) it involves more of what lies at the heart of the WTO, trade liberalization; and 2) being rich means being powerful and things do not happen wi...
From WPI Consulting
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.