The 2nd Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) meeting, held under India’s G20 Presidency, is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from May 23rd to 25th, 2023. The meeting will be inaugurated by Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, on May 24th. The three-day event will bring together over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, regional groupings, and international organizations to discuss various topics related to global trade.
The first day of the TIWG meeting, May 23rd, will feature a seminar on Trade and Technology. The seminar will include two panel discussions focusing on how technology is reshaping trade and its role in driving inclusive growth. Experts, academicians, and practitioners will participate in these discussions. Following the seminar, there will be a guided city tour, a cultural program, and a Gala Dinner for the G20 delegates.
On May 24th, the subject of WTO reform, a key priority of India’s G20 Presidency, will be discussed in a technical session. The emphasis will be on reaffirming the foundational principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and recognizing the importance of open, inclusive, and transparent functioning. A presentation on WTO reform will be made by the Knowledge Partner.
During the second and third days of the meeting, presentations will be made on specific deliverables. These include digitalizing paper documents such as Bills of Lading and Certificate of Origin to facilitate cross-border trade, creating a Meta Information Portal for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), developing a framework for mapping Global Value Chains (GVCs), compiling a compendium of best practices on Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), and establishing a G20 Regulatory Dialogue. These deliverables stem from discussions held during the 1st TIWG meeting in Mumbai from March 28th to 30th, 2023.
The overarching aim of India’s G20 Presidency is to foster a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities in accelerating global trade and investment. The goal is to promote inclusive and transparent growth, build global synergies, and work towards finding common solutions for a resilient and sustainable future for the world, characterized by unity and harmony.