15.02.2021 IGTC volunteers to support progress and future success of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and its 184 governmental Contracting Parties at the 15th Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM15) 16th, 18th March, 1 April
IGTC has launched an effort to support and enhance trade facilitative official phytosanitary practices at the 15th the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM15), which can be considered as the 2021 annual “parliament” of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The event will take place virtually on 16th and 18th of March, and 1st April, and will be chaired by the Government of Mexico.

In this unique year of the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) and the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH), the network of knowledge and expertise fostered by the IGTC constituency is well placed to support and inform the work of the IPPC. IGTC wants to emphasize the importance of the work of National and Regional Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs, RPPOs) acting in coordination with the value chain and within the IPPC guidance to deploy and communicate least trade distortive measures to protect of the world's plant resources from the spread and introduction of pests, and promote safe trade.

Read the IGTC's Notice to Trade here.

09.02.2021 Rules based trade: Decision on new WTO DG imminent
The World Trade Organization has indicated that 15 February will be the day its General Council meets to discuss the appointment of the next Director General.

Ex-Nigeria Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is now the leading candidate but will not be confirmed if all 164 members do not give their formal blessing.

Former WTO DG Roberto Azevedo stepped down in August 2020.

More information via WTO here.