Amid US-China trade war, 22 WTO countries to meet in New Delhi next week

In the meeting, which will take place next week, the countries are expected to deliberate on a common position on unilateral measures being taken by few countries among other issues of interest.

India's commerce ministry in a release said the meeting is being held at a time when the "multilateral rule-based-trading system is facing serious and grave challenges" and in the recent past, "there have been increasing unilateral measures and countermeasures by members".

US president Donald Trump on Friday tweeted on the ongoing trade spatwith China. "Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch," he tweeted even as Washington imposed increased tariffs on Chinese goods.

The meet will also discuss the impasse in the Appellate Body of the WTO which could impact the existence of a Dispute Settlement Mechanism at the global body and further impact the position of the WTO as an effective multilateral organisation.

The Appellate Body based in Geneva hears appeals brought by the WTO members and consists of 7 members. The US has blocked the nomination of new members at the body.

Next week's meeting will have 16 developing countries, 6 least developed countries (LDC) along with Director General, WTO Roberto Azevêdo. Countries that will participate in the meeting include Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, China, Egypt, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and Uganda.

Bangladesh, Central African Republic and South Africa have confirmed their participation. Vice ministers, senior officials and ambassadors of respective countries will be in attendance during the meeting.

China will be represented by an assistant minister and its envoy. A joint statement is expected by the end of the two day meet.