The Only Credible Southern Voice on the High Level Panel on Defining the Future of Trade

The Panel on Defining the Future of Trade constituted by Pascal Lamy, WTO Director General (September 2005-August 2013), released its Report titled ‘The Future of Trade: The Challenges of Convergence’, which examined and analysed challenges faced by global trading system in 21^st century. CUTS, represented by its Secretary General Pradeep S Mehta, was the only credible pro-trade, pro-equity Southern NGO voice on this panel that contributed to its richness. (www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/)

An Efficient, Transparent and Competitive Public Procurement System

We are implementing a project which has a long-term objective of providing a more efficient government procurement system in India with greater transparency, efficiency and good governance for both domestic and foreign enterprises including advocating for a National Public Procurement Policy of India.

(www.cuts-citee..org/GP/Outputs.htm)

A Participatory Approach to Regional Trade Reforms in South Asia

We developed and advocated for an alternative participatory approach which can substantially ease the practical difficulties faced in reforms. Our study focused on basic reasons for the failure of existing policy tools, systems and institutions created for reforming the regimes dealing with non-tariff barriers in South Asian countries. It came up with a framework for an improvised reform mechanism which is founded on the involvement of the private sector in relevant policy matters.

(www.cuts-citee..org/COENCOSA-Phase-II)

Interest for Border Markets to the Benefit of Local Economic Development

The importance of expanding the modalities of trade to benefit underprivileged sections of the society is often neglected in the general trade discourse. Through extensive field research conducted along the border regions between India and Bangladesh, we gathered evidence of benefits of such border markets in improving local economies and standard of living in underdeveloped localities in India-Bangladesh border areas. Our project explored not only the economic prospects of border markets, but also studied the potential role they can play in improving overall economic relations.

(www.cuts-citee.org/IBTA-II/)  

Forging Cooperation in Rice Seeds

We brought rice farmers and policymakers in India and Bangladesh closer to address the issue of food security. Our work on  ‘Addressing Barriers to Rice Seeds Trade between India and Bangladesh’ strives to achieve improved availability and accessibility to quality rice seeds to farmers in India and Bangladesh. We have also contributed in bringing in some qualitative changes in governments’ approaches to address this issue. The two governments have identified a roadmap for increased cooperation including knowledge sharing in rice seeds.

(www.cuts-citee..org/riste)

Promoting Sustainable Development in South Asia

We strive to create a more sustainable  agriculture system through transboundary cooperation in water and energy sectors in South Asia. We are partnering with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia, in implementing a long-term programme called ‘Sustainable Development, Investment Portfolio’ in South Asia..

(www.cuts-citee.org/pdf/SDIP-Project_Brief.pdf)