For the first time in a decade, WTO members reach historic deal at Geneva

The four-day meeting was extended by a day

For the first time in a decade, the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), a 164-nation body, have finalised a historic deal at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), an Indian negotiator said.

However, an official WTO statement was awaited till the time of going to press. The four-day MC12 was extended by a day as trade ministers negotiated through the night at WTO headquarters, next to Lake Geneva, and negotiations continued till Thursday morning.

“India has agreed to the proposal of no export restrictions on the World Food Programme. But internal food security concerns will take precedence. There is no work