IMF lauds World Trade Organization's decisions on TFA, food security

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the World Trade Organization's (WTO) decisions on the trade facilitation agreement (TFA) and public stock holding for food security purposes would provide an opportunity for advancing multilateral trade negotiations in other areas which is essential for global growth.

"I strongly welcome the decisions adopted by the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on November 27, related to public stock holding for food security purposes, the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the post-Bali work," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said.

"These decisions reaffirm the commitment of the international community to an open trade system. They also provide an important opportunity for advancing multilateral trade negotiations in other areas, which is essential to bolster global growth, create jobs and reduce poverty," Lagarde said in a statement.

Ending months-long deadlock, WTO on Thursday approved a trade facilitation pact while agreeing to India's demand for continuing the peace clause till a permanent solution is found to the food stockpiling issue, crucial for continuing food security scheme.

The historic TFA would now need to be ratified by governments of individual member countries, including India, for coming into effect which is expected some time next year.