This is expected to expedite text-based negotiations of the proposal at the World Trade Organization (WTO) following support by the US government. “Co-sponsors will soon issue an amended version of their waiver proposal with the objective of moving text-based discussions forward. The amended waiver proposal seeks to further clarify the scope of the proposed waiver, while also addressing the period during which it will apply. A failure to respond in a timely manner on the waiver proposal undermines the legi-timacy of WTO," the co-sponsors said in a joint statement. The proposal has been discussed many times at the TRIPS Council, but members are yet to reach a consensus.

Source: Mint May 18, 2021 14:46 UTC