WTO MC14 Technology Transfer has become a major topic ahead of the upcoming ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization. India has proposed a draft ministerial declaration urging stronger commitments to transfer advanced technologies to developing and least developed countries. The proposal was circulated before the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference, which will be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 to 29 March.

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India argues that large technology gaps prevent developing economies from competing effectively in global trade. According to New Delhi, improving access to advanced technologies would help these countries expand their industries, strengthen innovation and benefit more from international markets.

India’s Proposal for Technology Transfer

India submitted its proposal to the WTO on 2 March, suggesting the creation of a structured and time-bound framework to promote technology transfer. The proposal places special emphasis on environmentally sound technologies, which are essential for sustainable development and climate commitments.

India has also called on WTO members to improve access to modern technologies for developing nations. It recommended that the WTO Working Group on Trade and Transfer of Technology begin focused discussions on barriers that prevent developing countries from accessing and using advanced technologies.

Link to Previous WTO Commitments

The draft declaration refers to earlier WTO commitments on technology sharing. India cited paragraph 37 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration adopted in 2001 and paragraph 43 of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration adopted in 2005. Both declarations recognised the need to promote technology transfer to developing and least developed countries.

India also proposed reviewing technology-related provisions in major WTO agreements such as the TRIPS Agreement, the General Agreement on Trade in Services and other trade frameworks to identify barriers affecting developing nations.

Importance for Global Trade

India’s proposal highlights growing concerns about unequal access to advanced technologies like semiconductors, digital infrastructure and green technologies. Barriers such as export restrictions, intellectual property rules and high costs often limit access for developing economies.

By placing technology transfer at the centre of discussions at the WTO ministerial meeting, India aims to strengthen cooperation and reduce the technological gap between developed and developing countries. The proposal also suggests making technology transfer a regular agenda item in WTO discussions to ensure continuous progress.